India’s Innovation Drive Pushes Global Rank To 39th, Patent Grants Surge 17 Times: Economic Survey 2025

India’s innovation ecosystem has seen remarkable progress over the past decade, as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2024-25.

With patent filings doubling and patent grants surging 17-fold since 2014-15, the country has cemented its position as a global hub for research and technological advancement.

One of the most significant developments is the rise in resident filings—patents filed by Indian individuals and entities—which now account for over 50 per cent of total filings in FY24 (Financial Year 2023-24), compared to just 28 per cent in FY15. This shift indicates a stronger domestic research environment, reducing reliance on foreign entities.

Educational institutions have played a crucial role in this transformation, with patent filings from domestic universities tripling from 7,405 in 2021-22 to 23,306 in FY24.

Additionally, women-led patent filings have increased exponentially, from a mere 15 in FY15 to 5,183 in FY24, signalling greater female participation in innovation.

India's efforts have also been recognised globally. The country now ranks 39th among 133 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2024, a sharp improvement from 81st in 2015.

It also leads among lower-middle-income economies and ranks first in Central and Southern Asia.

Furthermore, India holds the seventh position in intangible asset intensity—a measure of investments in intellectual property and innovation—matching the levels of Germany and Japan.

India has also secured the 4th position in the 2024 Science and Technology Cluster Ranking by WIPO, with four Indian cities among the world’s top 100 science and technology hubs.

Despite these achievements, the Global Innovation Report 2024 highlights key areas requiring improvement, including human capital development, better access to finance, reduced regulatory burdens, and stronger innovation infrastructure.

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