Source: The post BHARAT-FIRST can guide India towards innovation driven future has been created, based on the article “Needed, an independent S&T think tank” published in “Businessline” on 9th July 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Ty
Context: India’s launch of a ₹71 trillion R&D scheme in sunrise sectors signals strong intent for technological leadership. However, to ensure sustainable impact, this bold investment must be matched with strategic foresight. The article proposes the creation of BHARAT-FIRST, a national institute for long-term coordination in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
The Need for Strategic Foresight
- Keeping Pace with Disruption: Technologies like AI, quantum computing, clean energy, and synthetic biology are advancing rapidly. Without structured foresight, India risks becoming a passive tech consumer or backing obsolete innovations.
- Learning from Global Models: Nations such as Germany (Fraunhofer), USA (RAND, Brookings), and Finland (SITRA) have built foresight institutions. India lacks a similarly institutionalised model suited to its developmental context.
- 21st Century Relevance: A technology diplomat remarked: “Your place is now defined by bandwidth, biotech, and breakthroughs.” Strategic foresight is essential to shape India’s global role.
- Driving Anticipatory Innovation: India needs more than innovation—it needs smart, forward-looking innovation aligned with national and societal objectives. Foresight enables this proactive direction.
Introducing BHARAT-FIRST
- A National STI Compass: BHARAT-FIRST (Foresight Institute for Research in Science and Technology) is envisioned as an independent, non-partisan body. Its core aim: Anticipating Innovation, Shaping Policy, Guiding India’s Future.
- Mission and Activities: It would curate open datasets, prepare foresight reports, host stakeholder dialogues, and align with national development priorities.
- Adapted to Indian Realities: Modeled after Fraunhofer, it would focus on applied foresight, supporting jobs, sustainability, and health outcomes.
- Supporting the Global South: BHARAT-FIRST could help reduce tech dependency among developing nations and align innovation with shared developmental goals.
Bridging Policy and Implementation
- Backing National Tech Ambitions: India’s missions like the AI Mission, Deep Tech Fund, and Global Capability Centres show intent. BHARAT-FIRST ensures these are backed by long-term strategies.
- Building Institutional Agility: The body would improve resilience, suggest course corrections, and help manage transitions.
- Reducing Duplication: It would act as an integrator, avoiding fragmented efforts and promoting inclusive innovation.
- Smart Coordination: The goal is smarter, not just more, innovation that benefits economy, society, and governance.
Elevating India’s Global Role
- Strengthening Tech Diplomacy: BHARAT-FIRST would enhance India’s role in tech governance, including digital infrastructure and data ethics.
- Preparing for Future Challenges: It would help India prepare for risks in food, energy, health, and the future of work.
- Leading South-South Cooperation: It can showcase India as an inclusive, visionary leader, fostering global partnerships.
- Enabling Talent and Innovation: By guiding investments and talent flow, it would shape India’s innovation playbook.
Institutional Design and Independence
- Distinct Long-Term Focus: Unlike current think tanks, BHARAT-FIRST focuses on 20–50 year horizons, engaging deeply across sectors.
- Leadership and Representation: It should be led by a respected CEO and include voices from academia, industry, and civil society.
- Non-Governmental Funding: To stay neutral, it should rely on CSR and philanthropic funds.
- Building Foresight Capability: It would maintain a digital presence, produce scenario reports, and connect with global foresight networks.
Conclusion
India’s leadership in the knowledge economy depends on more than talent—it needs foresight. BHARAT-FIRST can provide that strategic vision for a Viksit Bharat @2047.
Question for practice:
Discuss how the proposed BHARAT-FIRST institute can help India achieve strategic leadership in science, technology, and innovation
