What is Research and Development (R&D) Expenditure?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
R&D expenditure includes salaries of researchers, cost of equipment, materials, and software used in R&D activities.
- 2.
It can be categorized into basic research (fundamental knowledge), applied research (practical applications), and experimental development (new products/processes).
- 3.
Key stakeholders include government agencies (like the Department of Science and Technology), private companies, universities, and research institutions.
- 4.
India's R&D expenditure is around 0.7% of its GDP, which is lower than many developed countries like the US and China.
- 5.
R&D expenditure is closely linked to intellectual property rights (IPR) because it often leads to the creation of patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Visual Insights
Evolution of R&D Expenditure in India
Timeline showing key milestones in R&D expenditure and policy in India.
R&D expenditure has evolved from post-war focus to a key driver of economic growth and innovation.
- 1950sPost-WWII focus on scientific advancements for economic growth.
- 2016Launch of the National IPR Policy to create awareness about IPRs.
- 2023Launch of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to boost R&D.
- 2026Ongoing discussions to increase India's R&D expenditure to at least 2% of GDP.
Recent Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
India defines eligibility criteria for 'deep tech' start-ups
EconomyUPSC Relevance
R&D expenditure is important for the UPSC exam, particularly in GS-3 (Economy and Science & Technology). It's often asked in the context of economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. In Prelims, questions can be factual (e.g., India's R&D spending as a percentage of GDP).
In Mains, questions are usually analytical (e.g., 'How can India increase its R&D expenditure and improve its innovation ecosystem?'). Recent years have seen questions on the role of technology in economic development, which is directly linked to R&D. For essay papers, R&D can be relevant in topics related to science, technology, and economic development.
When answering, focus on the economic and social impact of R&D, and provide specific examples and data.
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is Research and Development (R&D) Expenditure and why is it significant for a country's economy?
Research and Development (R&D) Expenditure refers to the money spent on creating new knowledge and innovations by companies, governments, and academic institutions. It is significant because it drives economic growth, technological advancement, and improves a country's competitiveness by leading to new industries and better products.
Exam Tip
Remember that R&D expenditure is a key indicator of a country's commitment to innovation and future growth.
2. What are the different categories of R&D expenditure?
R&D expenditure can be categorized into three main types: - Basic research: Discovering new knowledge. - Applied research: Using knowledge for practical purposes. - Experimental development: Creating new products or processes.
- •Basic research (fundamental knowledge)
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