The quest for a science superpower: Where is Indian research and what will it take to make progress

Beyond the celebratory headlines about space exploration and vaccine production, this essential e-book asks tough questions about what it really takes to turn research into industrial capability and industrial capability into global influence.

The Hindu Group’s e-book The Quest to be a Science Superpower: Where Indian Research is and What it Will Take to Make Progress acknowledges India’s surge in R&D spending, patent filings and vast STEM talent pool. In doing so, he unflinchingly examines the persistent systemic barriers that hold the nation back. By comparing India’s trajectory with established giants such as the US and China, as well as with East Asian ‘tigers’, the authors reveal crucial missing links in India’s ambitions. The book also outlines a rigorous path to Viksit Bharat by 2047, arguing that true superpower status requires a shift from being a mere assembly center to becoming a core innovator.

Through expert analysis and commentary based on experience and skills, the book breaks down the ingredients needed to build a robust, connected innovation ecosystem. It also examines the gaps in translating laboratory research into commercial development, the heavy administrative burden stifling world-class breakthroughs, the alarming “brain drain” of top talent, and the dangerous rise of institutionalized pseudoscience.

Read this for an incisive, balanced survey of the nation’s science and technology landscape.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

• The makings of a scientific superpower – and where India stands with Vasudevan Mukunth

• Indian science has more money, more papers and more patents – but also gaping gaps – Jacob Koshy

• Why world-class research in India is still the exception, not the rule, by Rohini Subrahmanyam

• How Research Becomes Development – And Why It Sometimes Doesn’t – Dinesh C. Sharma

• Science Indians and their long road to success by Sanjukta Mondal

• Why Society Needs Science and Why Science Needs Society Sayantan Datta

• Critical Thinking – A Key Missing Piece in India’s Scientific Progress Mahima Jain

• World science superpowers reveal kryptonite to India’s own ambitions Jacob Koshy

• Journey to ‘Viksit Bharat’, with science and technology as TV Padma’s guide to India

To download a sample eBook: https://newsth.live/science-superpower-india-sample

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Published – 25 Sep 2026 14:07 IST