According to the latest data disclosed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India’s spending on research and development (R&D) surged to 0.83% of GDP in 2021-22, , marking the first time since 2009-10 that the country crossed the 0.8% threshold. What is Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD)? It is the sum of all resources dedicated to research and development during a given period.
This CurrentPulse analysis synthesizes unique exam-relevant inputs from the following sources.
← Previous Article
Next Article →
Prelims: Science & Technology — institutions, terminology and factual features connected with the development.
Mains: GS-3 — contemporary application of the relevant syllabus theme.
Current–static link: Revise the underlying institution, policy or concept together with this development.
According to the latest data disclosed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India’s spending on research and development (R&D) surged to 0.83% of GDP in 2021-22, , marking the first time since 2009-10 that the country crossed the 0.8% threshold.
The estimates imply a significant rise in the share of the private sector, with industry accounting for more than half (51.8%) of the total R&D expenditure of India in 2023-24.
It compiles India’s official Research and Development (R&D) statistics, including GERD.
It is a structural shift in India’s innovation ecosystem.
It is the sum of all resources dedicated to research and development during a given period.
It includes money spent on personnel, equipment, materials, and other costs associated with R&D activities by the Central Government, State Governments, Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) and Private Industry.
GERD is a key indicator of a country’s investment in innovation and its capacity to generate new knowledge and technologies.
The estimates imply a significant rise in the share of the private sector, with industry accounting for more than half (51.8%) of the total R&D expenditure of India in 2023-24.
Factors Behind the Increase: Possible contributors could be: A jump in private sector investment.
Broadening the scope of DST surveys to embrace international corporations and enterprises not covered under the former recognition framework of DSIR.
Economic activity recovery following the pandemic.
According to the latest data disclosed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India’s spending on research and development (R&D) surged to 0.83% of GDP in 2021-22, , marking the first time since 2009-10 that the country crossed the 0.8% threshold.
GERD was reduced in the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21.
Expenditure bounced back sharply in 2021-22, rising by over 53%.
The report finds that increased R&D investment can help translate these strengths into commercial innovation and sophisticated manufacturing.
For example: Israel (~5%); South Korea (4.8%); United States (3.5%); Japan (3.3%); China (2.4%); and India (0.83% in 2021-22).
National Research Foundation (NRF) under the act Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
What is Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD)?
Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.
Examine the significance of “Research and Development Statistics 2025-26: DST”. Discuss its key implications and the way forward.
Begin with the immediate development and identify the central institution or policy issue.
End with a balanced, institutionally feasible way forward without making claims beyond the available evidence.