India's Innovation Ecosystem: Analyzing the Surge in Domestic Patent Filings
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Economy (Intellectual Property Rights - IPR, Patents), Science & Technology, Government Schemes (Atal Innovation Mission).
Mains:
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology; Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.
Key Highlights from the News
Main Trend: For the first time in 2023, Indians filed more patent applications (57%) in India than foreign applicants. This indicates India's transition from a technology consumer to a producer.
Rise of New Innovators: The share of companies in patent filings decreased, while the share of individuals and educational institutions significantly increased.
Shift in Technology: More patents are now being filed in modern fields like computer science and biomedical, moving away from traditional mechanical and chemical engineering sectors.
Reasons Behind This Change:
Government Initiatives: Government initiatives like the National Intellectual Property Rights Policy and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
Patent Law Reforms: 80% fee reduction for educational institutions, MSMEs, and startups; simplification of procedures; and digitization.
Role of Universities: Establishing their own IP Cells to assist researchers and students.
Major Challenge: India's expenditure on Research and Development (R&D) is only 0.67% of GDP, which is much lower than countries like the USA (3.5%) and China (2.5%).
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