INDIA TRAILS IN CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY SECTORS

INDIA TRAILS IN CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY SECTORS

Why in the News?

• Global index launched: A new Critical and Emerging Technologies Index evaluates 25 countries in AI, biotech, semiconductors, space, quantum.
• India’s position: India ranks below France, with a score of 15.2, trailing behind U.S., China, and Europe in most sectors, as revealed by a comparative analysis.
• Sector weights: Semiconductors (35%), AI (25%), Biotech (20%), Space (15%), Quantum (5%), reflecting geopolitical relevance and dual-use potential.

Global Leaders in Critical Tech

• U.S. dominance: Leads across all five sectors due to deep investments, strong research, and decentralised innovation.
• China’s rise: Closing gaps in biotech and quantum, still lagging in semiconductors and AI tools.
• Europe’s strength: Strong in biotech and quantum, but lags in semiconductors and space.
• Alliances: U.S. partnerships with Europe, Japan, South Korea boost quantum and chip strength.
• Semiconductor challenge: No country controls the full semiconductor supply chain globally.

India’s Sectoral Performance

• Semiconductors: India lags behind Taiwan, Japan, South Korea in design and manufacturing.
• AI capabilities: Weighted on funding, talent, algorithms—India trails behind U.S., China, Europe.
• Biotechnology: Focus areas include pharma, genetic engineering, vaccine research, but India is still developing capacity.
• Space sector: India ranks 7th, behind Russia, in launch capability, navigation, and telecom.
• Quantum research: Emerging but far from global leaders in funding and core technologies.