Examine the obstacles that native technologies must overcome in order to be commercialized and adopted, as well as the steps that must be taken to achieve so.
Model Answer Introduction In the GPS era, Standard Positioning Systems (SPS) provide an accuracy of approximately 20-30 meters and are primarily utilized for civilian applications. In contrast, Precision Positioning Systems (PPS) offer higher accuracy, around 10 meters, and are mainly used by the U.Read more
Model Answer
Introduction
In the GPS era, Standard Positioning Systems (SPS) provide an accuracy of approximately 20-30 meters and are primarily utilized for civilian applications. In contrast, Precision Positioning Systems (PPS) offer higher accuracy, around 10 meters, and are mainly used by the U.S. military and its allies. In this context, India has launched the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), which consists of a constellation of just seven satellites to deliver comprehensive positioning data to users in India and its surrounding regions.
Advantages of India’s IRNSS Programme
- Autonomy in Navigation:
NAVIC reduces India’s reliance on foreign GPS systems, enhancing the country’s autonomy in navigation and ensuring uninterrupted service regardless of international relations. - Increased Accuracy:
NAVIC provides positional accuracy of less than 20 meters within India and extends to an area of 1500 km around it, which is advantageous compared to SPS. - Strategic Security:
NAVIC bolsters national security by delivering precise locational intelligence to the military, aiding in surveillance, reconnaissance, and missile guidance. - Support for Civilian Activities:
NAVIC significantly benefits various civilian sectors. For instance, it enhances logistics and transport efficiency through accurate navigation, aids in agriculture with precise locational data for land management, and assists in disaster management by providing real-time positional data. - Economic Growth:
The development of NAVIC fosters opportunities for growth in space technology industries, creating jobs, promoting innovation, and contributing to economic development.
Conclusion
The IRNSS, or NAVIC, represents a strategic advancement for India, not only in space technology but also in enhancing national security and socio-economic development.
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Barriers to the Commercialization and Adoption of Indigenous Technologies The commercialization and adoption of indigenous technologies face several hurdles, which can impede their integration into the market and broader society. These barriers can be broadly categorized into technical, financial, rRead more
Barriers to the Commercialization and Adoption of Indigenous Technologies
The commercialization and adoption of indigenous technologies face several hurdles, which can impede their integration into the market and broader society. These barriers can be broadly categorized into technical, financial, regulatory, and market-related challenges. Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy interventions, investment, and support structures.
1. Technical Barriers
Lack of R&D Infrastructure: Indigenous technologies often suffer from inadequate research and development facilities. For example, many small-scale tech startups in India struggle with limited access to advanced labs and equipment. Without robust R&D infrastructure, it is challenging to improve and scale these technologies.
Technical Know-How and Expertise: There is sometimes a gap in specialized technical skills necessary to refine and commercialize technologies. For instance, the lack of skilled professionals in advanced fields like AI and robotics can hinder the development of innovative indigenous solutions in these areas.
Recent Example: The Indian startup, Grene Robotics, which focuses on agricultural drones, faced technical challenges related to precision and durability. Addressing these issues required significant R&D investment and expertise.
2. Financial Barriers
Limited Funding and Investment: Indigenous technologies often struggle to attract sufficient venture capital or funding. Investors may be hesitant due to perceived high risks or lack of familiarity with local innovations.
High Initial Costs: The costs associated with developing and commercializing new technologies can be prohibitive. For instance, the Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) demonstrated technological prowess but also faced substantial funding and resource constraints.
Recent Example: The Ather Energy, an electric scooter manufacturer, initially faced difficulties in securing adequate investment to scale production and market penetration.
3. Regulatory Barriers
Bureaucratic Red Tape: Regulatory frameworks can be cumbersome and slow, impacting the ability to bring new technologies to market swiftly. In India, for example, compliance with multiple regulations and certifications can delay commercialization.
Intellectual Property Challenges: Indigenous innovators may face difficulties in securing patents or protecting intellectual property. This can undermine their competitive advantage and discourage investment.
Recent Example: The Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, an indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, experienced regulatory delays and challenges in obtaining emergency use authorization despite its promising potential.
4. Market-Related Barriers
Market Acceptance and Awareness: Indigenous technologies may struggle with market acceptance due to a lack of awareness or skepticism about their effectiveness. Building consumer trust and demonstrating value can be challenging.
Competitive Market Dynamics: Competing against established international brands with more resources and marketing power can be tough for indigenous technologies.
Recent Example: SUGAR Cosmetics, an Indian beauty brand, had to navigate significant market competition and consumer skepticism to establish itself in the highly competitive cosmetic industry.
Measures to Overcome Barriers
1. Enhancing R&D and Technical Support
Investment in Infrastructure: Governments and private entities should invest in building state-of-the-art R&D facilities and provide technical support to startups and researchers.
Skill Development Programs: Launching training programs and workshops to build technical expertise in emerging fields can help bridge the skill gap.
2. Improving Financial Access
Incentives and Grants: Providing grants, subsidies, or tax incentives for startups working on indigenous technologies can ease financial pressures.
Venture Capital Support: Encouraging venture capitalists to invest in local innovations through awareness programs and showcasing success stories can attract more funding.
3. Streamlining Regulations
Simplifying Regulatory Processes: Reforming regulatory frameworks to make them more agile and less bureaucratic can help speed up the commercialization process.
Strengthening IP Protection: Enhancing intellectual property rights and providing support for patent registration can safeguard innovations and attract investment.
4. Boosting Market Adoption
Awareness Campaigns: Running awareness campaigns and educational programs about the benefits of indigenous technologies can improve market acceptance.
Collaborations and Partnerships: Forming partnerships with established companies can help indigenous tech startups leverage existing market channels and resources.
Recent Initiatives:
The Startup India Program and Atal Innovation Mission have been working towards addressing some of these barriers by providing funding, mentoring, and infrastructure support to indigenous technology startups.
See lessIn conclusion, overcoming the barriers to commercialization and adoption of indigenous technologies requires a concerted effort from the government, private sector, and academia. By addressing technical, financial, regulatory, and market-related challenges, it is possible to enhance the growth and impact of local innovations.