Science and Technology Prowess: India’s Foreign Policy Options

Abstract

Science is the basic knowledge of nature, and technology is the practical application of such knowledge. On the other hand, innovation is the adaptation of knowledge for practical purposes. The primary objective of governance in any country is national security and the quality of life of the people. And these have to be understood in the broader sense. Science and Technology (S&T) plays a vital role in both these areas through economic and military power and has disruptive effects. Somebody else can put your business out of profit, displace jobs, etc. So, the state structures need to respond to S&T advances. So, STI policy and practice are very important and state and local governments must all play a role in it. STI takes place in a national ecosystem with many players. This ecosystem interacts with similar ones across the world. So, the paper looks into it in more detail later. S&T has moved from small to larger institutions, like Madame Curie in a lab in a garage, to larger institutions and large budgets like NASA, Exxon, etc. Governments and businesses have increased funding for S&T and built institutions and put policies in place. Now S&T knowledge originates from human brains engaged in private and public sector entities. Human resources are an essential component of S&T and knowledge in general. There is a disruptive effect of technology that can change the balance of power and economic activities within countries, which can increase the inequalities and job displacements and losses.