Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Experts Debate India's R&D Investment and Innovation
Experts are discussing whether Indian companies are taking enough chances to create new technologies, especially in areas like AI.
Some think they're not pushing the boundaries like companies in other countries.
Government officials also want startups to focus on creating new tech instead of just delivering food.
They suggest more money is needed for 'deep tech' to help India grow, while others point to a lack of investment compared to other nations.
Sanjeev Sanyal questions the Indian private sector's risk appetite for R&D, particularly in AI.
Sanyal suggests Indian companies lack the cutting-edge innovation seen in other countries.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal criticized Indian startups for focusing on non-core tech like food delivery.
Mohandas Pai highlighted the need for increased capital investment in deep tech startups.
The 2025 Economic Survey noted India's lower R&D spending compared to countries like China.
- Who
- Sanjeev Sanyal, Piyush Goyal, Mohandas Pai, and Amitabh Kant.
- What
- Discussion on the Indian private sector's R&D investment and innovation.
- When
- Ongoing; referenced in the 2025 Economic Survey.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To address concerns about the pace of innovation and investment in R&D within India.
Government and Experts' Concerns
Private Sector Perspective
Startup Focus and R&D Investment
Government and Experts' Concerns
Calls for increased deep tech innovation and private investment in R&D.
Private Sector Perspective
Criticism of Indian startups' focus on non-core technology and low private investment.
- India's R&D expenditure (as % of GDP)
- 0.64%
- China's R&D expenditure (as % of GDP)
- Over 2%
- Indian startups funding (2014-2024)
- $160B
- China startups funding (2014-2024)
- $845B
- US startups funding (2014-2024)
- $2.3 trillion
