India’s R&D Moment: Why Industrial Research Investment Will Define the Next Decade

India stands at a pivotal point in its innovation journey. As global economies race to secure leadership in emerging technologies, research and development (R&D) is rapidly becoming the foundation of industrial competitiveness, economic resilience, and strategic self-reliance. 

Over the last decade, India has made notable progress in building a stronger innovation ecosystem. Its rise in the Global Innovation Index from 81st position in 2015 to 38th in recent years reflects a broader shift: research is no longer seen as a support function, but as a strategic driver of growth. 

What makes this moment especially significant is the changing nature of global competition. Countries that lead in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, biotechnology, clean energy, and digital technologies are those investing aggressively in industrial R&D. For India, increasing R&D investment is no longer optional—it is essential to remain globally relevant in a technology-driven economy. 

Across sectors, companies are realizing that competitiveness today is built not only on scale and cost, but on innovation. Industrial research is enabling faster product development, indigenous technology creation, sustainable manufacturing, and stronger intellectual property generation. From next-generation materials and mobility solutions to electronics and green energy, R&D is becoming the engine that powers industrial transformation. 

At the same time, India’s research ecosystem is evolving in encouraging ways. Industry–academia partnerships are expanding, startup-led deep-tech innovation is gaining momentum, and commercialization of research is becoming a national priority. This convergence of public policy, private investment, and scientific capability creates a unique opportunity for India to emerge as a global hub for industrial research and technology development. 

However, to unlock this potential fully, India must significantly scale private-sector R&D investment. While public institutions continue to play a vital role, the next phase of growth will depend on industries investing more deeply in breakthrough research, design-led engineering, technology commercialization, and IP creation. The future winners will be those who innovate, not just manufacture. 

The role of policy-backed funding will be crucial here. The RDI Fund can act as a catalytic instrument to de-risk industrial research investments and support high-potential technology ventures, while ANRF can bridge the long-standing gap between scientific research and industrial application by creating stronger national research pipelines. Together, they can accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a leading innovation economy. 

To further catalyze this conversation, CII is organizing the Global Summit on Industrial R&D and Competitiveness 2026 bringing together global experts, industry leaders, policymakers, scientists, and innovators in Bengaluru on 7 October. The platform will focus on strengthening industrial R&D ecosystems, accelerating commercialization, and shaping India’s future as a globally competitive technology and manufacturing hub. 

A key highlight of the summit will be the CII Awards for Excellence in Industrial R&D 2026 

that recognize organizations demonstrating excellence in research-led innovation. By celebrating impactful industrial R&D initiatives, the awards aim to inspire greater investment in research, promote best practices, and reinforce the role of innovation as a core pillar of India’s industrial growth. 

To participate in CII Awards for Excellence in Industrial R&D: https://rdawards.ciitechnology.in/  

To join the CII Global Summit on Industrial R&D and Competitiveness, please register here: https://cam.mycii.in/ORNew/Registration.html?EventId=E000074245&PT=2  

Join us in Bengaluru on 7th October and become part of a defining dialogue shaping the future of industrial R&D and competitiveness in India and beyond.