Business EconomyPosted at: Oct 16 2025 7:39PM

Bengaluru, Oct 16 (UNI) India's research and development (R&D) expenditure now stands at only 0.65 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and achieving the target of 2 per cent will require a significant rise in private sector participation and investment, a senior government official said today.
Arvind Kumar, Advisor and Head, NSTMIS, Department of Science and Technology (DST), said the country's R&D expenditure has nearly doubled over the past decade, rising from around Rs 60,000 crore in 2010–11 to Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2020.
However, the investment still stands at only 0.65 per cent of the country’s GDP, far short of the national goal of 2 per cent. Achieving this target, according to Dr. Kumar. will require a considerable increase in private sector participation and investment.
He was addressing participants at a national meeting on the Department of Science and Technology’s National R&D Survey held recently, which serves as the backbone of India’s research and innovation data system.
He said the survey provides critical information for evidence-based policymaking and international indices and plays a pivotal role in tracking the country’s scientific progress.
“The National R&D Survey is a momentous exercise covering more than 4,000 R&D-performing institutions across the country, including government agencies, private industries, NGOs, and DSIR-recognised research organisations,” Dr. Kumar said. “It captures vital data on R&D investment, human capital, and innovation trends that form the foundation for informed policy decisions.”
He underlined that the data collected are not only used nationally but are also shared with global agencies such as UNESCO and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
UNESCO uses India’s indicators in its global SDG framework, while WIPO incorporates them in the Global Innovation Index. “This reflects India’s growing role in the global science and technology ecosystem,” he added.
Highlighting global developments, Kumar said that, as per WIPO’s 2023 report, Asia now accounts for 46 per cent of global R&D investment — up from 25 per cent in 2000 — while North America contributes 29 per cent and Europe 21 per cent.
“The shift underscores the growing strength of Asian economies such as India, China, and South Korea in the global innovation landscape,” he observed.
To boost private investment, Kumar noted several government-led initiatives. Among them is the recently announced Rs 1 lakh crore Research and Development and Innovation Fund, aimed at supporting industry-led research in emerging sectors such as quantum technology, energy, and medical devices.
Another major reform is the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF), which seeks to provide strategic direction to India’s research priorities and foster stronger partnerships between academia and industry. “The NRF will play a crucial role in mobilising private sector investment and driving collaborative research projects,” he said.
The government has also encouraged industry participation in national mission-mode programs, including the National Quantum Mission, Artificial Intelligence Mission, and Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS) initiative. Simplified procedures and liberalized sectoral policies—such as the
National Space Policy, Geospatial Policy, and Bio-3 Policy - are designed to enable deeper industry engagement in government-led research programmes.
Dr. Kumar pointed out that these efforts are already yielding results, citing examples of startups supported under the National Quantum Mission, including a Bengaluru-based company working in the quantum technology domain. “Such collaborations demonstrate how India’s innovation ecosystem is becoming increasingly vibrant,” he said.
Concluding his address, Kumar underscored the need for accurate and timely submission of R&D data from all participating organisations.
“Comprehensive and reliable data will ensure that India’s R&D strength is fully captured and accurately reflected in both national planning and international benchmarking,” he stated.
He assured participants that the data submission process is straightforward and encouraged institutions to contribute promptly. “Together, we can build a more complete picture of India’s research ecosystem and strengthen our position as a global innovation leader,” he said.
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