CivilsIASPrep.comDeep-Tech, AI, Innovation to shape India’s future: Dr. Mashelkar
What does this development mean for UPSC preparation?
UPSC CSE Context Why in News: Dr. Mashelkar highlighted deep tech, AI, and inclusive innovation as pillars for India's future at FICCI Legends Series. Syllabus Connection: Science and Technology, Innovation, Government Policies, Inclusive Growth Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on innovation ecosystem, procuremen
UPSC CSE Context
Why in News: Dr. Mashelkar highlighted deep-tech, AI, and inclusive innovation as pillars for India's future at FICCI Legends Series. Syllabus Connection: Science and Technology, Innovation, Government Policies, Inclusive Growth Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on innovation ecosystem, procurement policy, and technology-led inclusive development. ## Core Issue India must shift from tech consumer to creator via affordable innovation. Key Development: Dr. Mashelkar criticized lowest-bidder procurement policy as barrier to indigenous innovation. Stakeholders:
- Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar
- Government of India
- Indian industry ## Static Knowledge High-Value Background:
- CSIR is India's largest R&D organization, pivotal in industrial innovation.
- Gandhian philosophy 'More from Less for More' emphasizes resource efficiency and mass benefit. Exam Linkage:
- Useful for questions on innovation policy, Make in India, and inclusive growth. Concepts in Context:
- Deep-tech: innovations based on substantial scientific advances, often requiring long R&D.
- Public-private collaboration: joint efforts between government and private sector to drive innovation. Institutions and Mechanisms:
- FICCI: industry association advocating for policy reforms.
- Government procurement policy: currently favors lowest bidder, hindering innovation. ## Dynamic Analysis ### Economy
- Lowest-bidder procurement stifles R&D investment by prioritizing cost over quality.
- Risk-sharing partnerships can incentivize private sector to develop cutting-edge technologies.
- Affordable innovation can create new markets and drive inclusive growth. ### Science and Technology
- AI as co-pilot ensures human oversight, addressing ethical concerns in automation.
- Deep-tech startups need supportive ecosystem including funding and regulatory sandboxes. ### Governance
- Procurement reform is needed to prioritize innovation and long-term value.
- Government should act as risk-sharing partner, not just purchaser.
- Policies should encourage 'Next Practices' rather than copying global best practices. ## Prelims Takeaways
- CSIR: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India's largest R&D organization.
- FICCI: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, key industry body. ## Mains Value Addition Arguments:
- Innovation-led growth requires shift from cost-based to value-based procurement.
- Affordable innovation can address societal challenges at scale, aligning with SDGs.
- Public-private collaboration is essential for deep-tech development.
- AI must augment human decision-making, not replace it, to maintain ethical standards. Examples:
- AI-powered TB detection via smartphones, affordable breast cancer screening using thermal imaging. Counterpoints:
- Risk-sharing may lead to fiscal burden if projects fail.
- Lowest-bidder policy ensures fiscal discipline and prevents corruption.
- India's IP regime may not adequately protect deep-tech innovations. ## Way Forward
- Revise procurement policy to include innovation criteria and life-cycle cost analysis.
- Establish dedicated funds for deep-tech startups with government as risk partner.
- Promote industry-academia collaboration for R&D in AI and deep-tech.
- Create regulatory sandboxes to test innovative technologies safely.
- Foster culture of 'Next Practices' through innovation challenges and awards.