Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology (CCST)
Context:
In today’s information age, technology has become a core element of national power, a driving force for economic transformation, and an integral part of daily life.
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- To position India as a global power in the 21st century, it is imperative to establish a Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology (CCST).
- Chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising key ministers such as those for home affairs, finance, external affairs, defence, electronics and IT, commerce, and education, this committee would provide high-level strategic direction, policy coordination, and oversight for India’s science and technology ecosystem.
- While individual departments and states should continue to govern the technological aspects of their domains, a higher-level mechanism is necessary to address the growing interconnectedness of science and technology with governance, global geopolitics, and national security.
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India and Science & Technology Spending: India’s spending on research and development (R&D) as a percentage of GDP is currently 0.64%. This figure highlights a significant gap when compared to other leading nations, such as: China: 2.41%, United States: 3.47% and Israel: 5.71% 124. Global Innovation Index 2024: India is ranked 39th among 133 economies, a significant rise from 81st in 2015. India holds the top position in the Central and Southern Asia region and is the leading country among lower-middle-income economies. Science and Technology Cluster Ranking: India ranks 4th globally in the Science and Technology (S&T) Cluster Ranking, indicating its robust capabilities in research and technological advancements. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai are recognised as top global science and technology hubs. Global Patent Rankings: As of 2023, India ranks 6th globally in patent applications, with a total of 64,480 filings. This marks a 15.7% increase from the previous year, making it the fastest-growing country in terms of patent applications among the top 20 nations. |
The Need for a CCST
- Technology as a Central Force in Global Geopolitics: The 21st century is witnessing a geopolitical landscape shaped by technology.
- Countries like the United States and China have integrated their technological interests into their national and global strategies.
- The U.S. has taken steps to restrict China’s advancements in semiconductors and artificial intelligence, while China uses its tech industry to further the Communist Party’s goals.
- Addressing Cross-Ministerial Trade-offs: A CCST would enable better management of policy dilemmas that arise across ministerial boundaries.
- For instance, the decision to fully electrify India’s railway network to meet environmental goals conflicted with defence preparedness, as diesel locomotives are better suited for rapid troop movements.
- High-level coordination is essential to balance competing priorities and ensure effective policy implementation.
- A New Approach to Strategic Programmes: Traditional models of managing strategic programmes like atomic energy and space are no longer sufficient.
- India’s national missions in AI, quantum computing, genomics, and aerospace need a unified strategy to ensure both timely and long-term progress.
- Strategic Decision-Making in Tech Policy: Many aspects of technology policy involve critical trade-offs.
- A CCST would provide the platform for resolving such strategic questions, enabling India to respond effectively to challenges like export controls, sanctions, and geopolitical pressures.
Learning from Global Models
- China’s establishment of a Central Science and Technology Commission (CSTC) illustrates the importance of a centralised approach to science and technology.
- While the CSTC is shrouded in secrecy and reportedly mixes science with politics, its influence extends to approving mega-projects and aligning the military and tech ecosystems.
- India can draw lessons from such models, ensuring that its own CCST is transparent, inclusive, and strategically aligned without politicising scientific advancements.
Way Forward
- To maximise the impact of a CCST, it would be prudent to involve state-level officials in relevant discussions to ensure policy alignment.
- States are pivotal in implementing technology-driven initiatives, and their participation would enhance the effectiveness of national strategies.
Additionally, the CCST should prioritise harnessing India’s vast resources, expertise, and human capital to emerge as a leading technological power.
