Why India Must Prioritize Basic Science to Drive Its Innovation Future

Innovation often captures headlines, but every breakthrough begins with fundamental research—the slow, unseen pursuit of knowledge without immediate commercial goals. This curiosity-driven work lays the foundation for the technologies and solutions of tomorrow.

Historically, major inventions started with questions that seemed abstract at the time. Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928 and the development of streptomycin are prime examples of how basic research in microbiology and chemistry can transform medicine. Similarly, advances in theoretical physics and mathematics paved the way for computing, aviation, space exploration, and the internet.

In India, gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) grew from INR 60,197 crore in 2013–14 to INR 1,27,381 crore in 2020–21. Yet, relative to GDP, India invests only about 0.7% in R&D, far behind countries like Israel (6.3%), South Korea (5%), and the U.S. (4%). To become a top-five global innovation economy by 2047, India must significantly boost investment in fundamental research.

Dr. Santanu Panda of IIT Kharagpur emphasises that nurturing curiosity-driven science through long-term funding and collaborations is essential for breakthroughs. While India has made strides with initiatives like the Research and Development and Innovation (RDI) Policy—which encourages industry-academia partnerships, private-sector investment, and cross-sector collaboration—challenges remain. Funding still lags behind global benchmarks, and administrative hurdles can slow research progress.

Private sector involvement is crucial. Companies that benefit from applied technologies gain long-term advantages by investing in foundational science. Encouraging early-career researchers to explore high-risk, high-reward questions within India will prevent talent drain and cultivate home-grown discoveries.

Fundamental research may not yield instant results, but it is the backbone of future innovations. Questions asked today in laboratories and classrooms will drive solutions in climate resilience, quantum computing, healthcare, and more. By strategically supporting basic science, India can secure its place as a global innovation leader while ensuring that its breakthroughs are deeply rooted in scientific curiosity.