Bharat’s rise in the field of technology is the result of a combination of factors spanning several decades. If it can build on its current strengths as also address the areas that need improvement, it can easily emerge as a global technology leader.
Building Bharat’s Mittelstand – export oriented SME’s
Germany’s small and medium-sized companies, known as the Mittelstand, have the capabilities for export and a command of their markets but keep a low profile. Companies like Krones, Körber/ Hauni, Weinig, Webasto, and TetraWerke lack the celebrity status of Bosch, Mercedes-Benz, Siemens, and Bayer, but if world market share is considered, many Mittelstand companies are true superstars. They control world market shares in the range of 70-90 per cent and, collectively account for the bulk of Germany’s trade surplus. This is an impressive achievement, given that Germany was the world’s largest exporter in 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1990; in 1990, the Germans exported 6.8 per cent more than the Americans and 47.2 per cent more than the Japanese.
Back to Bharat. Bharat has almost 1,50,000 start-ups, and the government must handhold these to convert them to Mittelstand – Export-oriented SMEs. In India, start-ups have grown remarkably over the last six years, as a result of which the country emerged as the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally. Over the past four years (since FY 2017-18), there has been 66 per cent year-on-year growth in the number of additional unicorns being added every year.
Growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs)
India’s competitive edge in IT services has made it a major destination for global outsourcing. Its large pool of English-speaking, technically-skilled professionals offers cost-effective solutions for companies worldwide. In fact, 22 per cent of Forbes Global 2000 companies are present in India. These enterprises leverage India as a global skill-hub to enhance their digital journey to stay competitive in the digital era. The new age F2000 GCCs prioritise digital capabilities buildouts, advancing R&D, and are driving innovation pipeline for their HQs.
India’s competitive edge in IT services has made it a major destination for global outsourcing. Its large pool of English-speaking, technically-skilled professionals offers cost-effective solutions for companies worldwide
Bengaluru plays host to 60 per cent of F2000 companies with GCCs in India. These centres play a pivotal role in advancing the digital transformation agenda for enterprises. Easy accessibility to specialised technological skills such as AI/ ML, AR/ VR, blockchain, material science, quantum computing, 3D printing, etc., acts as a prime catalyst for digital transformation. By 2047, Bharat should attract at least 50 per cent of Forbes Global 2000 companies to establish their GCC.
Making Bharat a home of technocrats & researchers
Currently, about 67 per cent of India’s population is in the working age group. Approximately 25 per cent of the incremental global workforce over the next decade will come from India. By 2030, India’s working-age population will exceed one billion. The Developed World, on the other hand, has a rapidly ageing population. This means Bharat would soon be providing technocrats and researchers to the developed world.
One of the significant reforms announced in Bharat’s New Education Policy (NEP) is the start of coding classes for students from Class 6 onwards. Introducing coding and increasing exposure to technology at a young age will go a long way in helping the youth lead the way to a new world of innovation and creativity.
The need of the hour is to provide specialised technological skills such as AI/ ML, AR/ VR, blockchain, material science, quantum computing and 3D printing, etc., to the youth. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget 2024 speech, announced a significant internship scheme to provide on-the-job training opportunities to the youth. The program will target one crore young individuals over the next five years. To make Bharat a Global Technology leader, at least 50 per cent of these internships should be arranged in specialised technologies mentioned before.
AI – tool for ‘ruler of the world’
With strengths across many dimensions, India has a tremendous upward potential – it has a significant volume of mobile data consumption. By 2028, the country is expected to top the world in data consumption. It already processes more digital payments than any other country in the world and has the third-largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent pool. While India restricts data access, its AI regulation is still not well-defined. In July, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a new consultation paper that called for a statutory authority to regulate AI in India through a “risk-based framework.” It also suggested collaborating with governments and international agencies to promote the “responsible use” of AI globally — a process that India could be quite significant in shaping. Russian President Vladimir Putin famously said whoever leads AI will be the ‘ruler of the world’.
The need of the hour is to provide specialised technological skills such as AI/ ML, AR/ VR, blockchain, material science, quantum computing and 3D printing, etc., to the youth
Bharat must build its own Global AI hub like the US’ Silicon Valley and China’s Shenzhen. Building a Global AI Hub is a complex but exciting endeavour involving the creation of an ecosystem that attracts talent, fosters innovation, and drives technological advancements. It requires collaboration across sectors and a strategic approach to foster a thriving AI ecosystem. Bharat must initiate its ‘Five-Year Plan for AI’ series.
Ready for future technologies
Other than the above-mentioned technologies, there are other emerging technologies. These future technologies will change the way we live. Bharat should prepare itself to embrace these technologies:
Necrobotics: This involves turning dead things into robots. A team has already turned a dead spider into a robot-like gripper, given the ability to pick up other objects. To achieve this, they take a spider and inject it with air. This works because spiders use hydraulics to force their version of blood (haemolymph) into their limbs, making them extend.
Sand batteries: In this electricity is passed through sand or any other non-super conductor, which generates heat that can be used for energy.
Xenotransplantation: This means transplanting, implementing or infusing a human with cells, tissues or organs from an animal source. It has the potential to revolutionise surgery. One of the most common procedures is inserting a pig’s heart into a human. This has now successfully happened twice.
In this era of evolving “Tech war”, Bharat, with its goodwill and soft powers, can mitigate the competitive, and often contentious, rivalry between countries, companies, or entities over technological dominance and innovation. This competition can manifest in various forms, including trade disputes, intellectual property battles, geopolitical manoeuvres, and strategic investments. A tech war involves multifaceted competition over technological leadership and influence, with significant implications for economies, geopolitics, and consumers.
Bharat can manage and navigate these conflicts, which require strategic planning, international cooperation, and a focus on innovation and resilience.
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