The Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Policy of 2013 was formulated in an era where the global knowledge economy had taken center stage, making innovation not just a component of S&T, but the central organizing principle for national competitiveness and inclusive growth. This policy strategically positioned S&T and innovation as the primary drivers of India’s national development in the 21st century. It sought to leverage India’s large demographic dividend and immense talent pool to achieve its national goals and secure a prominent role on the world stage.

The central paradigm of the 2013 policy was encapsulated in the motto: “Science technology and innovation for the people.” This declaration signified a major shift, prioritizing the use of STI to achieve faster, sustainable, and inclusive development that directly benefits all sections of society. The policy’s key features reflect this people-centric and globally ambitious vision:

• Promoting the spread of scientific temper amongst all sections of society.
• Making careers in Science, research and innovation attractive enough for talented and bright minds.
• Positioning India among the top five global scientific powers by 2020.
• Creating an environment for enhanced Private Sector Participation in R&D.
• Fostering resource-optimized, cost-effective innovations.
• Creating a robust national innovation system.

This modern paradigm firmly established innovation not just as a component of the S&T framework, but as its ultimate purpose, setting a clear course for the nation’s future developmental journey.