The North News
New Delhi, March 27
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has underlined the critical role of innovation in India’s economic transformation, calling it the key to achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Speaking at the National Intellectual Property Awards 2024 in New Delhi, Goyal stressed the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s intellectual property (IP) landscape through legislative reforms and administrative measures.
“These awards are a celebration of India’s intellectual potential,” Goyal said at Bharat Mandapam, where the event was held. “This is the sangam of tradition and technology. Innovation has always been in our DNA. We are very proud that ‘zero’ originated from India. Chess, too, is now being recognized as a game that originated from our ancient tradition of Chaturanga. Innovation will define India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat.”
Goyal emphasized that no country can achieve developed status without prioritizing research and development (R&D). “In our Amrit Kaal, as we work towards making India a resilient economy, R&D will play a crucial role. We are moving towards becoming a powerhouse of new technologies and ideas,” he added.
The minister announced continued government support for scientific advancements through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), which aims to enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors as well as academia. “The NRF will be instrumental in fostering enthusiasm for science and technology innovation among stakeholders,” he noted.
India’s intellectual property achievements were also highlighted. The country’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index has improved significantly from 81st in 2015 to 39th today. India now holds the sixth-largest volume of trademark filings globally, with nearly 100,000 patent grants last year. To encourage broader participation in the IP ecosystem, the government has reduced fees by 80% for women entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.
Goyal also outlined measures to streamline the patent process, including digital interventions and the recruitment of 400 new patent examiners. A new state-of-the-art IP office in Dwarka, which will accommodate over 750 officers, is set to enhance efficiency in intellectual property administration.
To further strengthen India’s IP framework, Goyal called for greater judicial support, proposing the establishment of specialized IP benches in High Courts and internship programs for law students to gain exposure to IP law.
Technological advancements will also play a crucial role in modernizing India’s IP sector, Goyal said, citing artificial intelligence and data analytics as key tools in improving trademark searches and enforcement. He further emphasized the need for stronger copyright protection to safeguard innovators and businesses.
Encouraging grassroots innovation, the minister lauded the Atal Tinkering Labs initiative, which promotes creativity among schoolchildren. He also advocated for greater public-private-academic partnerships to leverage NRF funds for research and development.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goyal concluded: “The significance of science is not only in invention and development but also in fulfilling the aspirations of the last person. Inclusive growth remains our mantra, and scientific progress must support our efforts to bring development benefits to the most marginalized.”
