Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Science and Technology
Why in News?
Recently, Department of Science and Technology (DST) released R&D Statistics at a Glance 2025‑26, highlighting India’s rising research output, patent filings, and Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD).
- India’s Global Research Output – 3rd globally (behind China and the USA) in scientific publications (2022).
- 1.10 lakh patents filed in 2024-25, with 62% by Indian residents.
- Indian Patent Office ranks 6th globally in resident patent filings.
- R&D Spending Milestone – India’s R&D spending reached 0.83% of GDP in 2021‑22, first time above 0.8% since 2009‑10.
- Private Industry Share – Rose to 45.5% in 2021‑22 and 51.8% in 2023‑24 with Transport, Pharma, Biotech and IT emerging as India's biggest R&D investors.
- For the first time, businesses contributed more than government to national R&D.
- Global Comparison – India lags behind major economies – China (2.4%), USA (3.5%), Japan (3.3%), South Korea (4.8%), Israel (5%).
- Data Source – Department of Science & Technology (DST)
- Part of R&D Statistics 2025‑26, compiled through NSTMIS (National Science and Technology Management Information System) surveys.
Reference
The Hindu | R&D Statistics
