India is well positioned to become a key participant in the next industrial revolution, which is expected to be driven primarily by biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS in the PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said.
Addressing a media conclave attended by technology developers, industry representatives and other stakeholders, the Minister said India was relatively late in benefiting from the previous IT-led industrial transformation but is now preparing early for the emerging technology-driven phase.
India Building Capabilities in Frontier Technologies
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the country’s growing capabilities in advanced technologies, noting that India has established dedicated policy frameworks in several emerging fields. These include the BioE3 initiative, the National Quantum Mission and the IndiaAI Mission, alongside rapid developments in the space sector and other frontier areas.
He said the government’s BioE3 initiative—Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment—is aimed at building a stronger biotechnology ecosystem. Biotechnology is expected to have a growing influence on healthcare, agriculture and food production while opening new avenues for employment and economic expansion.
The Minister said the global economy is gradually moving beyond conventional manufacturing towards areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, circular economy, recycling and other technology-intensive industries.
Space Sector Emerges as a Major Growth Area
Highlighting India’s transformation in space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the country’s space economy, which was once extremely small, has expanded to approximately USD 9 billion. It is projected to reach USD 40–45 billion over the next eight to nine years, reflecting the growing role of private enterprises and start-ups.
He attributed much of this transformation to the decision taken in 2020 to open India’s space sector to private participation. According to him, the policy change demonstrated how an enabling regulatory environment can unlock technological capabilities and entrepreneurial potential.
The Minister pointed to the emergence of Indian space start-ups, including companies developing rockets and attaining unicorn status within a relatively short period, as evidence of the sector’s growing maturity.
He also cited India’s Chandrayaan missions and their scientific findings, including the detection of evidence of water molecules on the Moon, as examples of India’s contribution to global scientific knowledge.
Enabling Environment for Innovation
Dr. Jitendra Singh said India has never lacked scientific talent or technical capability. The key requirement, he noted, was an environment that could convert knowledge and talent into commercially and socially useful outcomes.
He said the government is increasingly encouraging private-sector participation in areas that were traditionally dominated by the public sector. The opening of the nuclear sector to private players, he added, would create fresh opportunities while requiring industry to build appropriate technological and operational capabilities.
Technology Expanding Opportunities
The Minister also underlined the role of digital technology in widening access to education and opportunities. He recalled the example of a student from a financially disadvantaged background who successfully cleared IIT-JEE with the help of digital learning resources.
According to him, technology has helped reduce geographical and economic barriers to quality education. The expanding start-up ecosystem also demonstrates that innovation is no longer restricted to major metropolitan centres, with entrepreneurs increasingly emerging from smaller towns and cities.
Reforms Supporting a Future-Ready India
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted government efforts to simplify governance and eliminate outdated provisions. He said nearly 2,000 obsolete laws have been removed as part of efforts to modernise India’s administrative framework.
He referred to reforms concerning pension rights, women’s nomination rights in government service and other provisions intended to make governance more responsive. He also cited the removal of the requirement for gazetted officer attestation for many documents as an example of greater institutional trust in citizens.
Government-Industry Partnership Crucial for 2047
Looking towards India’s 2047 development vision, the Minister said the country has limited time to prepare for emerging opportunities. Every sector will need to adapt, while businesses must develop capabilities to participate in new technology-driven industries.
He called for stronger cooperation between government and industry, arguing that earlier scepticism between the two sides should be replaced by mutual learning and collaboration.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that a “whole of government plus whole of nation” approach will be essential for India to achieve its technological, economic and developmental ambitions and move from being a follower to a global source of innovation and capability.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
