What Should India’s Critical Technology Policy Look Like?
| AUTHOR | Saurabh Todi |
| DATE | July 10, 2024 |
| DOCUMENT | Takshashila Discussion Document 2024-09. |
| VERSION | Version 1.0, July 2024. |
| CATEGORIES | High Tech Geopolitics Space |
Executive Summary
In the information age, nations’ power relies on technological advancements. Critical and emerging technologies (CETs) significantly impact national security and economic growth, with each country defining CETs based on its security environment. Although many countries have comprehensive strategies for CETs, India lacks a cohesive approach, relying on seemingly ad hoc measures. This lacuna needs to be addressed.
This paper proposes a step-by-step framework to visualise the development of a CET as a dynamic process, determine how aspects of the technology life cycle should be assessed for prioritisation, and suggest what policy actions the government should take regarding CETs. The paper illustrates the proposed framework through the example of mRNA vaccine technology and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).