Indian science, technology, and society: The changing landscape

Over the centuries, India's scientific and technological position among developed and developing countries has shifted. Several centuries ago, it was characterized by scientific thought, capabilities, and techniques more advanced than many countries. However, when the scientific and industrial revolutions took place in the West, India was in a stagnant period. This paper looks at knowledge production in different countries vis-à-vis their economic strength, and then positions India within this landscape. Science and technology in India rest on four pillars: (1) techno-nationalism, (2) inclusive growth, (3) techno-globalism, and (4) global leadership. Each of these pillars is discussed in some detail, followed by concluding recommendations for steps India should take if it wishes to assume a leadership role among the world's developed nations.