India’s Path to Superpower Status by 2047

In the wake of the Dataquest Digital Leadership Conclave, India2047, a special discussion moderated by Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of the CyberMedia Group, illuminated the trajectory of India’s tech journey towards global eminence. Delving into crucial facets of growth, challenges, and strategic imperatives, the panelists, comprising eminent figures from the industry, outlined a comprehensive roadmap toward realizing India’s potential as a tech superpower by 2047.

At the core of “India2047” lies a recognition of India’s necessity to assert its prowess on the global stage. It emphasizes the imperative of constructing a robust ecosystem capable of rivaling leading tech nations worldwide. This initiative goes beyond mere economic ambitions, aiming to harness technology for social good, addressing pressing issues spanning healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. The overarching goal is to ensure inclusive growth and development across all segments of society.

The panelists, including luminaries such as Raman Roy, CMD of Quatrro BPO Solutions; Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder of Cyient; and Srikanth Velamakanni, Co-founder of Fractal Analytics, lent their expertise to the discourse, underscoring the gravity of the discussion and their shared commitment to India’s tech ascendancy. Notable figures were honored for their contributions, further emphasizing the dedication to excellence within

the industry.

Honorable mentions were accorded to notable figures:

•             IT Person of the Year: Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology

•             Lifetime Achievement: Raman Roy, CMD, Quatrro BPO Solutions

•             Lifetime Achievement: Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder, Cyient

•             Pathbreaker of the Year: Srikanth Velamakanni,

Co-founder of Fractal Analytics

Moderator Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of the CyberMedia Group, emphasized the importance of freedom of expression in fostering innovation. He set the tone for the discussion by highlighting India’s potential to become a tech superpower by 2047, citing initiatives like Digital India and DPI as catalysts for this transformation.

Beyond economic growth, the initiative aims to leverage technology for social good, addressing challenges such as healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, thereby ensuring inclusive growth and development for all segments of society.

Empowering Human Capital

Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder of Cyient, delved into the critical role of human capital in India’s journey towards tech supremacy. He emphasized the need for proper education, skill development, and job creation to leverage India’s demographic dividend effectively. Dr. Reddy stressed the importance of revamping the education system to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, advocating for increased investment in research and education.

Harnessing Deep Tech

Pradeep Gupta then steered the discussion towards the implementation of specific measures to realize India’s tech ambitions. He highlighted the significant strides made in deep tech areas such as AI, quantum computing, and space technology, underscoring the need for adequate resources, particularly manpower, to support these initiatives. Dr. Reddy initiated a discussion on the readiness of India’s deep tech manpower, addressing challenges and actions needed to achieve the nation’s goals.

Unlocking Entrepreneurial Potential

Srikanth Velamakanni, Co-founder of Fractal Analytics, emphasized the twin pillars of education and entrepreneurship in shaping India’s future. He advocated for a vibrant investment ecosystem and government support to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation. Srikanth outlined strategies to fuel the entrepreneurial spirit, including co-investment with venture capital firms and massive AI training initiatives.

Safeguarding Intellectual Property

Pradeep Gupta raised concerns about the retention of intellectual property generated within India, prompting a discussion on measures to protect and capitalize on indigenous innovation. The panelists deliberated on the need for policy reforms and collaboration between stakeholders to safeguard India’s intellectual assets, ensuring that they benefit the nation directly.

Navigating Geopolitical Realities

BVR Reddy addressed the geopolitical challenges facing India’s tech ambitions, advocating for self-sufficiency and resilience. He highlighted India’s recent endeavors in chip manufacturing as a step towards self-reliance, emphasizing the importance of enhancing domestic conditions to foster innovation and economic growth.

Shrikant Velamakanni echoed the need for strategic investments to navigate global pressures effectively.

Learning from Global Experiences

Raman Roy shared insights on learning from global experiences, particularly China’s ascent in the tech domain. He stressed the importance of collaboration between industry and government to identify best practices and expand startup markets beyond India’s borders. Raman underscored the need for policy frameworks that foster innovation and entrepreneurship, urging policymakers to facilitate rather than hinder startup growth.

The panel concluded by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of India’s journey toward tech supremacy. He highlighted the critical aspects that require attention, including policy reforms, human capital development, intellectual property protection, and global engagement. Pradeep reiterated the importance of fostering a collaborative ecosystem that aligns industry, government, and people to position India as a global superpower by 2047.

aanchalg@cybermedia.co.in