PERSPECTIVE: Emerging and critical tech for India
20th February, 2024
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Context
- By 2024, India is poised to witness a significant leap in its digital infrastructure and technology sector.
Details:
- Firstly, the Indian government has been actively promoting digitalization across various sectors. Initiatives like Digital India, which aims to ensure government services are available to citizens electronically, have already laid a strong foundation.
- By 2024, these efforts are likely to have matured, resulting in more streamlined, efficient, and accessible public services, thus promoting broader digital adoption across the country.
INTRODUCTION:
- India, with its vast population and growing economy, stands at a critical juncture in its technological journey. Embracing emerging and critical technologies will be crucial for addressing national challenges, fostering innovation, and securing a competitive edge in the global landscape.
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The Indian government has set up three centers of excellence for AI in top educational institutions. The budget increased funding for the Ayushman Bharat National Digital Health Mission by 70%. The National Program on Artificial Intelligence is envisioned with four pillars: Skilling, AI Ethics and Governance, Compute, and AI Research and Development. India chairs the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), a 29-country initiative. Gartner forecasts India's IT spending to grow by 10.7% in 2024, reaching $124.6 billion. Software and IT services are projected to experience the highest annual growth rates in 2024. |
Overview of Emerging and Critical Tech for India:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): India boasts a thriving AI ecosystem with numerous startups, research institutions, and government initiatives like the National AI Strategy.
Recent Developments:
- Launch of "AI for Good" initiatives focusing on healthcare, agriculture, and education.
- Increased investments in AI research and development by both public and private sectors.
Potential Applications:
- Personalized healthcare diagnostics and treatment recommendations.
- Smart agriculture solutions for efficient resource management and crop yield improvement.
- Enhanced efficiency in various sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and customer service.
- Internet of Things (IoT): The Indian IoT market is witnessing rapid growth driven by increasing internet penetration and smartphone adoption.
Recent Developments:
- Government initiatives like "Digital India" and "Smart Cities Mission" promoting IoT adoption in various sectors.
- Growing focus on developing indigenous IoT solutions and promoting local manufacturing.
Potential Applications:
- Smart cities with connected infrastructure for improved traffic management, waste management, and citizen services.
- Industrial automation and connected factories for enhanced efficiency and productivity.
- Wearable devices and connected healthcare solutions for remote patient monitoring and personalized health management.
- Blockchain: India is actively exploring the potential of blockchain technology across various sectors.
Recent Developments:
- Pilot projects for land record management, supply chain tracking, and financial transactions using blockchain.
- Establishment of regulatory frameworks to address concerns around security and scalability.
Potential Applications:
- Secure and transparent record keeping in various sectors like land registry, healthcare, and education.
- Improved traceability and transparency in supply chains, reducing counterfeiting and fraud.
- Streamlined financial transactions and development of innovative financial products.
- Quantum Computing: India is making significant strides in quantum computing research with dedicated government initiatives and academic collaborations.
Recent Developments:
- Setting up of national quantum computing laboratories and research centers.
- Collaboration with international partners in advancing quantum technology development.
Potential Applications:
- Drug discovery and materials science simulations for accelerated innovation.
- Secure communication protocols and enhanced cybersecurity solutions.
- Financial modeling and risk analysis with improved accuracy and efficiency.
- Robotics and Automation: India's robotics industry is witnessing steady growth, particularly in industrial automation and service sectors.
Recent Developments:
- Increased adoption of robots in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors.
- Government initiatives promoting skill development and research in robotics and automation.
Potential Applications:
- Enhanced productivity and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
- Automation of repetitive tasks in various sectors, reducing human error and improving safety.
- Assistance in performing complex tasks in healthcare and other critical sectors.
- Cybersecurity: India faces increasing cyber threats as it becomes more digitally connected. Cybersecurity breaches have the potential to disrupt critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive data, and undermine trust in digital systems.
Recent Developments:
- Implementation of the National Cyber Security Strategy to strengthen India's cybersecurity posture and resilience.
- Establishment of CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) to respond to cybersecurity incidents and coordinate efforts across sectors.
- Collaboration with international partners and organizations to share threat intelligence and best practices.
Potential Applications:
- Protecting critical infrastructure such as power grids, transportation systems, and financial institutions from cyber attacks.
- Securing sensitive government data and citizen information stored in digital databases.
- Safeguarding businesses and individuals from cyber threats such as ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.
- 5G Technology: India is gearing up for the rollout of 5G technology, which promises faster speeds, lower latency, and greater connectivity for a wide range of devices and applications.
Recent Developments:
- Spectrum auctions and trials conducted by telecom operators to prepare for the deployment of 5G networks across the country.
- Government initiatives to promote indigenous development of 5G technology and equipment manufacturing.
Potential Applications:
- Enhanced mobile broadband services enabling high-definition video streaming, augmented reality, and virtual reality experiences.
- Support for massive machine-type communications, enabling the Internet of Things (IoT) devices to communicate seamlessly and efficiently.
- Low-latency communication for mission-critical applications such as autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and industrial automation.
- Data Analytics and Predictive Modeling:
Current Scenario: India generates vast amounts of data across various sectors, providing valuable insights for decision-making and optimization.
Recent Developments:
- Adoption of advanced data analytics tools and techniques by businesses and government agencies to extract actionable insights from data.
- Integration of predictive modeling algorithms in healthcare, finance, agriculture, and other domains to forecast trends and outcomes.
Potential Applications:
- Personalized healthcare interventions based on predictive analytics of patient data and medical histories.
- Financial risk assessment and fraud detection in banking and insurance sectors using machine learning algorithms.
- Precision agriculture techniques leveraging data analytics to optimize crop yields, reduce resource usage, and mitigate risks.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Developing robust infrastructure:
- Building a strong digital infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity and data centers, is crucial for widespread adoption of these technologies.
- Addressing skill gaps:
- Bridging the skill gap by providing adequate training and education programs is essential to prepare the workforce for the demands of these emerging technologies.
- Ensuring ethical considerations:
- Addressing concerns around data privacy, security, and potential job displacement due to automation is crucial for responsible development and adoption of these technologies.
- Talent Acquisition and Skill Development:
- Building a skilled workforce equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to develop, deploy, and maintain emerging technologies.
- Investing in educational programs, vocational training, and reskilling initiatives to prepare the workforce for the jobs of the future.
- Regulatory Framework:
- Developing robust regulatory frameworks to govern the ethical use of emerging technologies and protect consumer rights and privacy.
- Establishing guidelines for data sharing, storage, and processing to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Investing in digital infrastructure such as high-speed internet connectivity, data centers, and cloud computing resources to support the adoption and scalability of emerging technologies.
- Bridging the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to technology and connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Way Forward:
- Investing in Research and Development:
- Increase funding for research institutions and universities to conduct cutting-edge research in critical technology areas.
- Establish dedicated research grants and fellowships to attract and retain top talent in these fields.
- Promote public-private partnerships to leverage expertise and resources for collaborative research and development efforts.
- Building Infrastructure and Connectivity:
- Invest in expanding reliable and affordable internet connectivity across the country, including rural and remote areas.
- Develop robust data centers and cloud infrastructure to support the growing demands of emerging technologies.
- Implement initiatives like "Digital India" and "BharatNet" to bridge the digital divide and ensure inclusive access to technology.
- Skilling and Workforce Development:
- Introduce targeted skill development programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate and manage emerging technologies.
- Collaborate with educational institutions and industry leaders to develop relevant curriculum and training programs.
- Promote STEM education at all levels to cultivate a culture of innovation and technological aptitude among younger generations.
- Regulatory Frameworks and Policy Support:
- Develop clear and comprehensive regulatory frameworks that address concerns around data privacy, security, and ethical considerations in using these technologies.
- Provide tax incentives and other financial benefits to encourage private sector investment in research, development, and deployment of critical technologies.
- Streamline bureaucratic processes and create a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Fostering Collaboration and Innovation:
- Encourage collaboration between government, academia, and industry through initiatives like hackathons, innovation challenges, and technology clusters.
- Promote open-source initiatives and knowledge sharing to accelerate innovation and development in critical technology areas.
- Support the growth of the startup ecosystem by providing incubation facilities, funding opportunities, and mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs.
Recent Government Initiatives:
- National AI Strategy: Launched in 2020, this initiative aims to make India a global leader in AI research and development.
- Digital India Mission: This flagship program focuses on improving digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and delivering government services electronically.
- Skill India Mission: This initiative aims to equip the Indian workforce with future-proof skills, including those relevant to emerging technologies.
Conclusion:
Embracing emerging and critical technologies presents a unique opportunity for India to leapfrog in its development journey. By fostering innovation, addressing challenges, and ensuring responsible implementation, India can harness the power of these technologies to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future.
CITATIONS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW5bXOfD1EI&list=PLVOgwA_DiGzrOZ062PskBVE83abtupy3z&index=1
https://sansadtv.nic.in/show/perspective
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-s-korea-us-to-set-up-tech-trialogue-11702225030871.html
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