(a) whether India`s position in scientific research and development is low
in the world;
(b) if so, the number of patents for new invention applied by Indian
Scientists and other developed and developing countries during the last
three years; and
(c) the steps taken to arrest the snail space growth in research and
development in India?
MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES (KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) Any comparison of India`s position in scientific research and
development vis-Ã -vis other countries is unrealistic in view of the
availability of resources and infrastructure for R&D. International
comparison in scientific research and development is mainly measured in
terms of expenditure on Research and Development (R&D) as percentage of
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Presently, India`s expenditure on R&D as
percentage of GDP is 0.80 as compared to 2.67 in USA, 1.23 in China and
0.27 in Pakistan.
(b) The number of patents for new invention applied by Indian Scientists
and other developed and developing countries during the years
2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 is annexed.
(c) The Government has taken various steps from time to time to encourage
research and development activities in India. Accordingly, the Government
has enhanced the S&T Plan outlay of Scientific Departments/Agencies from
Rs.12,022 crores in 9th Plan to Rs.25,243 crores in 10th Plan and plans to
increase it further in 11th Plan. Further, various initiatives have been
taken by the Government to encourage investment on R&D both in industry
and institutions through several fiscal incentives and other support
measures such as support in the form of grants for industrial R&D
projects, support to R&D projects through sector specific programmes of
various scientific and economic Ministries, income tax relief on R&D
expenditure, weighted tax deduction for sponsored research, custom duty
exemption on goods imported for use in Government funded R&D projects, tax
holiday and national awards for outstanding R&D
ANNEXURE
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS AT INDIAN PATENT OFFICE (IPO) IN THE YEARS 2002-03 TO 2004-05
Applicants 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05
Indians 2693 3218 3630 Foreigners Resident Abroad 1724 1678 3165
Source: Annual Reports of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks.
Note : Foreigners Resident Abroad include broadly the residents of Common Wealth Countries, American, European, African and Asian countries.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS FILED THROUGH PCT IN THE YEARS 2002-03 TO 2004-05
PCT Applicants 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05
Indians # 525 764 723 Foreigners Resident Abroad 7049 7717 10671
#Data refers to calendar year.