How Did India Achieve Its Position in the Global Innovation Index?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
India's remarkable rise in the Global Innovation Index from 81st to 39th position is a testament to strategic policy decisions and investment in entrepreneurship. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and academia to sustain this momentum and achieve a developed India by 2047.
Key Takeaways
- India's rise in GII reflects strategic policy efforts.
- Collaboration between sectors is crucial for sustained growth.
- Startups are key to economic and technological advancement.
- Focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities promotes inclusive innovation.
- Government initiatives are paving the way for frontier technology leadership.
New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) India’s remarkable advancement in the Global Innovation Index, jumping from the 81st position in 2015 to the 39th position in 2025, is the result of intentional policy decisions, substantial investments in entrepreneurship, and the enthusiasm of India’s young innovators, stated Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday.
Presently, India boasts the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with over 100,000 government-recognized startups and more than 100 unicorns.
Significantly, almost 50% of startups now emerge from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, highlighting the democratization of entrepreneurship and showcasing India’s inclusive innovation narrative, the minister mentioned during a NITI Aayog event.
Dr. Singh stressed that the innovation journey towards Viksit Bharat necessitates global perspectives and a redefined mindset.
He highlighted the importance of both the government and the private sector collaborating harmoniously.
The minister pointed out ongoing challenges, including the lack of synergy among institutions, the need for patient capital for deep-tech ventures, weak connections between academia and industry, varying state-level innovation capabilities, and shortcomings in intellectual property protection and commercialization.
He suggested creating specialized interfaces similar to BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) in other vital technology sectors.
Such platforms are critical for fostering seamless collaboration between the government and the private sector.
According to him, government initiatives like the National Deep Tech Startup Policy and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) indicate a significant shift towards establishing sovereignty in frontier technologies.
These endeavors, he asserted, will incentivize risk-taking, creativity, and collaboration, ensuring that India becomes not just a consumer of global technologies but a leading producer.
"India’s innovation journey cannot be solely reliant on the government. It requires a comprehensive national approach—government creating the enabling framework, industry contributing scale and investment, academia fostering knowledge creation, and young innovators fueling energy and creativity. Together, we can turn aspirations into accomplishments and fulfill the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047," the minister concluded.
Point of View
India's ascent in the Global Innovation Index reflects not only strategic governmental efforts but also the dynamic potential of its youth. This trajectory shows promise for a collaborative ecosystem that can address existing challenges and leverage innovation for sustainable growth, ultimately realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Innovation Index?
The Global Innovation Index is an annual ranking of countries by their capacity for and success in innovation, providing insight into the global innovation landscape.
Why is India's rise in the Global Innovation Index significant?
India's rise signifies its growing capabilities in innovation and technology, reflecting positive policy measures and an expanding startup ecosystem.
What role do startups play in India's innovation success?
Startups contribute significantly to job creation, technological advancements, and economic growth in India, with a notable percentage emerging from smaller cities.
What challenges does India face in further innovation?
India faces challenges such as inadequate synergy among institutions, need for more funding in deep-tech sectors, and gaps in intellectual property rights.
What initiatives are supporting innovation in India?
Initiatives like the National Deep Tech Startup Policy and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation are fostering a conducive environment for innovation and technology development.
