We Need to Find a Mountain of Research Funds

As the tech era progressed, technology research and development at the university level has become increasingly crucial. Collaborative efforts drive innovation, enhancing research quality, and strengthening institutional reputations. It’s interesting to note that around 20 percent of scientific papers published globally now feature international co-authors, and research produced through these collaborations has a 52 percent higher impact than non-collaborative work, according to reports. Indian universities are nowhere below these changing global dynamics. However, our country significantly lags below when it comes to investment in research.

For context, China invested a massive $52 billion research and development for 2024, marking a 10 percent increase over the previous year and solidifying its position as one of the global leaders in R&D spending, especially in government intramural research. On the flip side, the US earmarked a whopping $210 billion for federal R&D in 2024, including more than $100 billion for basic and applied research via agencies like the National Science Foundation, maintaining its strong lead in innovation. In comparison, India allocated only around $293 million toward science and technology research funding through various schemes, including the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. However, that country has pledged an approximately $12.3 billion commitment supporting long-term innovation and R&D. This special issue of CEO Insights turns the spotlight on leaders from prestigious research-oriented institutes in the country. We wholeheartedly welcome your comments on this issue. Do let us know your thoughts.