Even as the research and development (R&D) sector has been witnessing double-digit growth in the last few years, India ranks lower than most BRICS nations in capacity for innovation, according to the Economic Survey 2014-15.
“According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2014-15, India’s capacity for innovation has been lower than that of many countries like the U.S., the U.K., South Korea, and even other BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) except Russia,” the Survey said.
The report ranks India at 48 in capacity for innovation, Brazil at 44, China 40 and South Africa 35. Russia is ranked 66. Even in quality of scientific research institutions, India scores lower than China, Brazil, and South Africa. This is also exhibited through its poor score on university-industry collaboration on R&D as compared to some other BRICS nations like China and South Africa, the Survey said.
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“In terms of patents granted per million population, India fares badly compared to other BRICS countries. In terms of company spending on R&D also India is far below China,” it added.
Only in terms of availability of scientists and engineers, India scores better or is equal to other BRICS countries.
The R&D sector in the country grew 20.8 per cent in 2012-13.
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