Shift in Global Power Measurement
Traditionally, national power was determined by factors such as GDP, industrial output, and control over natural resources. Currently, new elements like semiconductors, algorithms, data flows, rare minerals, and clean energy are becoming significant indicators of influence. These technologies are vital for economic competitiveness, national security, and global leadership.
Role of Semiconductors
Semiconductors represent a crucial chokepoint in this new landscape. The United States has established a dominant position in semiconductor production, presenting a challenging environment for emerging economies attempting to compete. Instead of following traditional paths, these nations need to identify new strategies for advancement.
Emerging Importance of 2D Materials
- Unlike the silicon era, 2D materials are poised to revolutionize semiconductors, computing, quantum technology, and energy systems.
- These materials, like graphene, which is one atom thick, offer impressive properties such as superior conductivity, mechanical strength, flexibility, and quantum advantages.
Properties of 2D Materials
- Unmatched conductivity: Graphene surpasses copper in electrical conductivity and offers excellent thermal management.
- Mechanical strength: Can stretch up to 20% without breaking, enabling the development of foldable electronics.
- Semiconductor performance: TMDCs display tunable bandgaps and atomically thin channels, essential for post-silicon chip scaling and neuromorphic computing.
- Quantum advantage: These materials can host qubits, paving the way for scalable quantum systems.
India's Position and Urgency
As other countries like China, the US, Europe, and South Korea advance in 2D materials research, India's progress remains nascent. Despite having a strong talent pool and semiconductor ambitions, India lacks a coordinated mission and infrastructure, risking future exclusion from high-value technological advancements.
India's Potential Advantages
- India possesses a strong design talent pool and policy momentum through initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission.
- Focused investment and R&D in 2D materials could transition India from a "back office" to a holder of foundational IP in the post-silicon era.
Recommendations for India
- Launch a national 2D materials mission: A 10-year mission with funding and integration into existing missions.
- Create national innovation hubs: Focus on 2D-based devices, energy management, and chemical/biological tech.
- Accelerate lab-to-market pathways: Develop facilities for prototyping and attract private investment.
- Prioritize indigenous R&D: Continuously fund from discovery through deployment to build sovereign IP.
- Forge strategic global collaborations: Partner with global leaders to access advanced infrastructure and build capabilities.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Immediate prioritization of 2D materials is critical for India's economic growth, national security, and global influence. A strategic focus on this emerging field will ensure India's long-term competitiveness and sovereignty in the future technology landscape.
BVR Subrahmanyam is the CEO of NITI Aayog, and Debjani Ghosh is a Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog. These views are personal and do not reflect the official stance of Business Standard.