By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : October 20, 2025 8:14 am
unanimously agreed that comprehensive, accurate data is vital to designing informed, evidence-based policies that can accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global innovation leader
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), organized an outreach workshop in Hyderabad on the ongoing National Science and Technology (S&T) Survey 2024–25. The survey provides valuable insights into R&D investments, S&T workforce, India’s global standing, and other key indicators that shape the nation’s research and innovation policies. It also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Global Indicator Framework and the Global Innovation Index.
The workshop was graced by Dr. Arvind Kumar, Advisor & Head, NSTMIS, DST; Dr. Arabinda Mitra, Former Adviser & Head, DST, and Former Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Dr. Rabindra Kumar Panigrahy, Scientist-E, NSTMIS, DST; Bala Prasad Peddigari, Chief Innovation Officer, TCS; Dr. Radhakishore Pandrangi, Chair, FICCI Telangana Aerospace & Defence Committee and Director, HC Robotics Pvt. Ltd.; Arun Kumar, Additional General Manager – Strategic Cell, Bharat Dynamics Limited; and Dhruv Gupta, Member, FICCI Telangana Executive Committee and Partner – Strategy & Innovation, Eternify Advisors.
The National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS) under DST has been conducting national surveys periodically to collect data on resources devoted to S&T and R&D activities across the country. The findings are compiled into comprehensive reports that provide key national indicators for policy formulation and assessment. The National S&T Survey 2024–25 aims to capture India’s current R&D landscape by collecting data from around 8,000 organizations, including public and private sector institutions, MNCs, higher education bodies, SIROs, and NGOs.
A structured questionnaire based on international standards has been designed to capture data on multiple aspects, such as general information, R&D expenditures, and manpower.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Arvind Kumar highlighted that the overwhelming response from both industry and research institutions reflects the growing synergy between the two. He emphasized that DST, as the nodal agency for science and technology policy, plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation nationwide. Through the National S&T Survey and other initiatives, DST systematically gathers data to evaluate India’s scientific capabilities, inform policy planning, and allocate resources effectively.
Dr. Kumar noted that India’s R&D investment has nearly doubled between 2011–12 and 2021–22. However, while about 40 per cent of India’s R&D investment comes from industry and 60 per cent from the government, this ratio is reversed in developed nations, where industry contributes nearly 70 per cent. Bridging this gap remains a key national priority. To enhance private sector involvement, the government has launched several mission-mode initiatives, including the National Quantum Mission, Semiconductor Mission, and National AI Mission, and has liberalized sectors such as space and geo-spatial technologies through progressive policies. These steps, combined with increased funding support, are strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Arabinda Mitra underscored that R&D lies at the heart of India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047, as highlighted by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. He noted that technology, trade, and business now define India’s global engagements and that industry must play a pivotal role in driving innovation-led growth. Dr. Mitra pointed out the significant data gaps that exist in capturing industry’s true R&D investment levels, stressing that accurate data is essential for effective policymaking. He called on industries to proactively participate in DST surveys to help build an authentic and comprehensive national R&D database.
Dr. Rabindra Kumar Panigrahy shared that DST’s surveys have been conducted for over five decades, generating an invaluable longitudinal dataset that tracks the evolution of India’s research and innovation ecosystem. Key indicators, such as Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) and the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) of manpower engaged in R&D, provide a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s scientific progress. He emphasized that the survey results are publicly available on DST’s website, contributing to transparency and informed research planning.
Dr. Radhakishore Pandrangi, Director of HC Robotics, stressed the need for greater collaboration between industry and research institutions to develop next-generation technologies. He highlighted that Hyderabad has emerged as a prominent R&D hub, housing major institutions such as CSIR labs, DRDO, RCI, and leading pharmaceutical industries engaged in cutting-edge research. Dr. Pandrangi remarked that while India has made significant progress, there remains immense potential to innovate, collaborate, and scale up technologies to boost exports, strengthen GDP, and enhance the standard of living for every citizen.
The workshop concluded with a strong call for enhanced industry participation in the National S&T Survey 2024–25. Stakeholders unanimously agreed that comprehensive, accurate data is vital to designing informed, evidence-based policies that can accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global innovation leader.