Critical Technologies and India's Research Profile
Critical technologies are reshaping global power dynamics, yet India shows an imbalance in its research profile:
- India contributes to only 2.5% of highly cited papers and has just 2% of its scientists among the top 2% of most-cited researchers globally.
- China dominates 37 of 44 critical technologies and recruits talent aggressively, while India ranks in the top five for 29 technologies but lacks consistent breakthrough delivery.
Challenges and Opportunities
Global restrictions and opportunities include:
- The US has imposed restrictions on technology exports and talent recruitment, while budget cuts impact federal science grants.
- Tightened visa regimes affect Indian-origin PhDs and postdocs, creating a talent surplus seeking opportunities elsewhere.
- Countries like China and Europe actively recruit global talent, with initiatives such as the Young Thousand Talents Program and France 2030 fund.
India's Strategic Response
India needs to act fast to leverage this opportunity:
- Establish Focused Research Organisations (FROs) in strategic domains to build sovereign capabilities.
- Attract at least 500 top researchers in five years, focusing on early-career talent to ensure long-term excellence.
- Embed FROs within Institutes of National Importance, ensuring industry participation and creating public-private-academy partnerships.
- Provide internationally competitive salaries and sustained funding through pooled resources.
Benefits of FROs
Focused Research Organisations offer several key advantages:
- Resolve compensation issues by combining industry and state resources for competitive salaries.
- Focus efforts on strategic areas where sovereign capability is essential.
- Create a hybrid ecosystem of global expertise, indigenous knowledge, and industry resources.
- Provide long-term, predictable pathways for talent absorption and innovation.
Conclusion
India must urgently establish institutional mechanisms to avoid losing ground in strategic technological domains. The establishment of FROs offers a viable solution to attract global talent and build sovereign capabilities essential for future autonomy and economic competitiveness.