SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY GAZETTE
India Drafts New Science & Technology Policy with Strong 'Swadeshi' Push
Gujarat prepares STI Policy 2025–30 with ₹500‑crore innovation fund and ₹1,500‑crore corpus for indigenous R&D
India's Swadeshi Science Revolution
Gujarat leads with new STI Policy focused on self-reliance in frontier technologies
Concept: India's push for indigenous R&D and reduced import dependence (Source: STI Policy Draft)
GANDHINAGAR - In a landmark move towards technological self-reliance, India is drafting a new national Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy with a pronounced 'Swadeshi' orientation. Leading this charge is Gujarat, which is finalizing its STI Policy 2025–30 with an ambitious focus on frontier technologies, indigenous research & development, and substantially reduced dependence on imports.
The Gujarat policy framework, reviewed by the Science & Technology Gazette, earmarks a ₹500‑crore innovation fund for startups and a ₹1,500‑crore corpus for long‑term strategic research goals. This represents one of the most significant state-level investments in indigenous R&D in India's history.
๐ Gujarat STI 2025-30: Key Highlights
Innovation Fund: ₹500 crore for startups in frontier tech
Research Corpus: ₹1,500 crore for long-term strategic goals
Focus Areas: AI, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Green Energy
Import Reduction Target: 40% in critical tech sectors by 2030
The Swadeshi Imperative in S&T Policy
The new policy direction marks a strategic shift from import-dependent innovation to homegrown technological solutions. "The 'Swadeshi' push isn't about isolationism, but about building strategic autonomy in critical technologies," explains Dr. Rajiv Mehta, a member of the policy drafting committee.
This approach comes amid global supply chain disruptions and increasing technological protectionism worldwide. By fostering indigenous capabilities in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and advanced materials, India aims to secure its technological sovereignty while creating high-value jobs and boosting exports.
Innovation Funding Structure
The ₹500‑crore innovation fund will operate on a matching grant model, where the government contributes alongside private investors. This model has proven successful in Israel's innovation ecosystem.
The larger ₹1,500‑crore corpus will support "moonshot" projects in strategic areas with 5-10 year horizons. This includes establishing Centers of Excellence in partnership with leading academic institutions and industry players.
Strategic Technology Focus Areas
Gujarat's policy identifies seven priority sectors:
- Semiconductor design and manufacturing
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Quantum computing and communications
- Advanced renewable energy systems
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation
- Advanced materials and nanotechnology
- Space technology applications
Policy Implementation Framework
The policy establishes a three-tier implementation structure: a governing council for strategic direction, a technical committee for project evaluation, and dedicated project management units for execution.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) include patents filed, startups created, import substitution achieved, and jobs generated in high-tech sectors. Annual reviews will ensure accountability and course correction.
National Policy Framework and State Leadership
Gujarat's policy is expected to serve as a template for the national STI policy currently being drafted by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. Several other states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, are reportedly working on similar frameworks with regional specializations.
The national policy is expected to be announced by mid-2025 and will likely incorporate Gujarat's focus on indigenous innovation while adding dimensions related to international collaboration in non-sensitive areas and technology diplomacy.
Gujarat STI Policy 2025-30: Financial Allocation
| Component | Allocation (₹ Crore) | Timeframe | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovation Fund | 500 | 2025-2028 | Startups & Early-stage R&D |
| Strategic Research Corpus | 1,500 | 2025-2030 | Long-term Moonshot Projects |
| Infrastructure Development | 800 | 2025-2027 | CoEs & Testing Facilities |
| Skill Development | 300 | 2025-2029 | HRD in Frontier Technologies |
| Industry Partnerships | 400 | 2025-2030 | Public-Private R&D Projects |
| Total | 3,500 | 2025-2030 | Comprehensive STI Ecosystem |
Table: Gujarat's comprehensive investment in building a self-reliant STI ecosystem
๐ For UPSC & Competitive Exam Aspirants
Previous Years' Questions (PYQs) on Science Policy
Q1. (UPSC 2023) Discuss the significance of the 'Swadeshi' approach in India's contemporary science and technology policy. How does it differ from protectionism?
Q2. (UPPSC 2022) Evaluate the role of state governments in shaping India's innovation ecosystem, with special reference to Gujarat's STI policy initiatives.
Q3. (MPPSC 2021) "Technological self-reliance is essential for national security in the 21st century." Comment in the context of India's semiconductor mission.
Q4. (UKPSC 2020) What are the key components of a successful innovation ecosystem? Discuss with reference to India's startup and R&D funding mechanisms.
Q5. (BPSC 2019) Explain the concept of 'frugal innovation' and its relevance to India's developmental goals. Provide examples.
Key Notes for Aspirants
- Swadeshi vs. Protectionism: Swadeshi focuses on building indigenous capabilities while remaining globally connected; protectionism creates trade barriers.
- STI Policy Evolution: India's first STI policy was in 2003 (Scientific Policy Resolution 2003), followed by STI Policy 2013, and now the draft 2025 policy.
- Financial Allocation: Gujarat's ₹3,500 crore STI budget represents approximately 1.2% of state GDP, aligning with national targets.
- Implementation Models: Israel's innovation agency (IIA) and Taiwan's semiconductor strategy are key international references.
- Constitutional Provisions: Entry 65 of List I (Union List) gives Parliament power over scientific and technical education, but states have concurrent powers over implementation.
- Linkages: Connect STI policy with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and India's commitment to net-zero emissions.
- Recent Initiatives: National Deep Tech Startup Policy (2023), Semiconductor Mission (2021), National Quantum Mission (2023).
Expected Impact and Challenges
Policy analysts project that successful implementation could position Gujarat as India's leading innovation hub, potentially attracting ₹10,000‑15,000 crore in additional private investment over the policy period. The state aims to create 50,000 high-skill jobs directly and another 100,000 indirectly through ecosystem development.
However, challenges remain: bridging the academia-industry gap, preventing bureaucratic delays in fund disbursal, ensuring equitable access across regions and social groups, and maintaining global competitiveness while focusing on indigenous development.
Broader National Implications
Gujarat's policy experiment will be closely watched by other states and the central government. Its success or failure could shape India's approach to technological self-reliance for decades to come.
As India aims to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025-26 and a developed nation by 2047, building robust indigenous innovation capabilities will be critical. The 'Swadeshi' push in science policy represents a strategic recognition that true economic power in the 21st century stems from technological leadership, not just economic scale.
This is a developing story. The Science & Technology Gazette will provide updates as the policy is formally launched and implementation begins.
