India lagging behind in AI innovation
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Source: The post India lagging behind in AI innovation has been created, based on the article “Basic technology R&D: Let’s wake up before it’s too late” published in “Live mint” on 23rd January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3– Science and Technology – Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Context: The article highlights India’s missed opportunity in foundational AI research, focusing instead on adapting existing models. It emphasizes the need for bold investment in speculative research to avoid dependency on foreign technology and ensure competitiveness in emerging industries.

For detailed information on Major concerns of AI use in India read this article here

Why is India lagging behind in AI innovation?

  1. Missed foundational research opportunities: India focused on adapting existing AI models instead of creating new ones, despite having talent and resources when transformer models emerged 2–3 years ago.
  2. Low research output: India produces only 10% of the AI research papers compared to China or the US.
  3. Dependency on foreign technology: Heavy reliance on foreign intellectual property leads to costly licensing, cloud fees, and hardware imports.
  4. China’s rapid advancements: Chinese firms developed efficient, versatile models supporting multiple languages, including Indian ones, while India remains focused on local adaptations.
  5. Lack of bold investment: Limited funding for speculative, foundational research hinders innovation.

Why is foundational research critical for India’s future?

  1. Global Competitiveness: Without foundational breakthroughs, India risks being overshadowed by foreign models, even in local applications like Indian language AI.
  2. Missed Opportunities: India skipped foundational research in transformer models despite having talent, producing only 10% of China or the US’s AI research papers.
  3. High Costs of Dependency: Relying on foreign technology increases licensing, cloud, and hardware expenses, making AI a forex absorber.
  4. Shaping Future Industries: Foundational research enables leadership in AI-driven fields like robotics and autonomous vehicles.

What needs to change for India to lead in AI?

  1. India must fund speculative research without fixed end goals.
  2. Bold experimentation in AI model development can lead to transformative breakthroughs.
  3. Visionary leaders and financial backing for foundational research are essential.
  4. Investing now will ensure India’s leadership in future technologies.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons behind India’s lag in foundational AI research and its implications for the country’s future competitiveness.


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