Indigenization of Technology & Innovation

GS Paper: GS Paper III | Subject: Science & Technology

Prelims

Document prepared by Indian climate research community; nodal institution: IISc (Indian Institute of Science), Bengaluru
Facilitated by: Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) under Prof. Ajay K. Sood
Working group: chaired by Prof. S.K. Satheesh (IISc); member-secretary: Dr. S.S.C. Shenoi (former INCOIS director)
Consultations: 3,000+ researchers
Status: Community document — not government policy/funding commitment
Core finding: India has lost ability to manufacture quality scientific instruments for climate research
"Billions of rupees spent on imported instruments" — used without knowing operating principles; left uncalibrated → incorrect data in journals
India crossed halfway mark (250 GW) of 500 GW non-fossil capacity pledge by 2030 — in 2025
8 mega projects proposed: Observational networks, indigenous sensors, satellites, climate modelling (×2), field campaigns, carbon-neutrality research, adaptation science + Climate & Health Observatory
Historically, Mega Science Vision used for nuclear/high-energy physics — first time extended to climate, ecology, astronomy
GeM portal (mandatory for govt procurement) was rolled back for scientific institutions in June 2025 — blocked access to customised instruments

Strategic vulnerability: India's inability to manufacture scientific instruments = dependence on imports for critical research infrastructure. If instruments are unavailable (sanctions, supply chain disruption), India's research stalls
Prototype-to-product failure: Indian engineers can design instruments (NIOT floats, IMD/ISRO weather stations) but manufacturing at scale fails. Gap: technology transfer → industrial production. Root cause: assured procurement not guaranteed; industry has no incentive without demand commitment
Atma Nirbhar Bharat in S&T: This is a direct application of self-reliance doctrine to scientific research — but requires government mandate + assured procurement + pricing commitment
GeM portal contradiction: Made mandatory to support domestic vendors but scientific institutions couldn't get customised equipment → rolled back. Shows tension between procurement standardisation and research quality needs
Climate data credibility: If instruments are uncalibrated and data is wrong, India's position in global climate negotiations (IPCC reports, Paris Agreement commitments) is weakened. Credible data = credible diplomacy
Social cost of carbon: Report calls for scientific estimation + "polluter pays" mechanism — connects to environmental economics (GS3) and climate justice (Essay)
GS3 exam angle: Science & technology + environment intersection; Atma Nirbhar Bharat; importance of indigenous research capacity; climate governance