How is India Pioneering Its Role in the Intelligent Age?

What does the future hold for a country like India in a world rapidly shaped by artificial intelligence, 5G, and digital infrastructure? According to recent reports the global shift toward the "Intelligent Age" is already transforming economies, industries, and societies. India, with its unique demographic advantage and a growing digital ecosystem, is positioned to lead this revolution. The question is: how can India harness this wave of change to redefine its economic landscape?

India's Economic Trajectory: A Confluence of Opportunity and Innovation

India is at a remarkable point in its journey, transitioning from a low-cost manufacturing hub to a world leader in high-tech innovation. According to Statista, India's GDP reached approximately $4 trillion in 2024, making it the fifth-largest global economy. Despite the geopolitical uncertainties that have affected other nations, India has maintained a robust annual growth rate of 7-8%. With its youthful population—more than half under the age of 30—and a strong digital transformation agenda, India is well-equipped to capitalize on this momentum.

India's rapid development in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a remarkable indicator of its leadership in the digital revolution. From secure digital identity systems like Aadhaar to Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the country has proven its ability to innovate at scale. A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights India's DPI as a model for other countries, offering a blueprint for inclusive and adaptable technological solutions.

But this is just the beginning. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds, India must continue to invest in next-generation infrastructure and shift its focus toward smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven innovations.

The Semiconductor Boom: India’s Key to Global Tech Leadership

One of the cornerstones of the Intelligent Age is the semiconductor industry. With AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G rapidly expanding, the demand for semiconductors is skyrocketing. Gartner predicts that the global semiconductor market will grow by over 10% annually in the next five years. For India, this presents a critical opportunity. The India Semiconductor Mission, launched in 2023, aims to foster a robust semiconductor ecosystem, attracting global giants while promoting homegrown companies.

India’s vast population generates an unparalleled amount of data—an essential asset in the Intelligent Age. With appropriate investments and international partnerships, India could become a dominant player in semiconductor production.

However, achieving this requires policy shifts, talent cultivation, and the creation of a regulatory framework for data governance, such as the Personal Data Protection Bill. The combination of data governance, talent development, and infrastructure investment positions India as a potential leader in setting global data standards.

Startups, Unicorns, and the Digital Economy: India’s Innovation Engine

India’s startup ecosystem is another driving force in its Intelligent Age ambitions. The country is home to over 130,000 startups, including more than 110 unicorns, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. According to a report from IBM, India's digital economy is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2025. These startups are leading innovation in sectors like fintech, edtech, and e-commerce, offering solutions that are not just scalable but also tailored to the unique needs of the country.

However, for India to fully realize its potential, it must increase its investment in Research & Development (R&D). As per World Bank data, India’s expenditure on R&D is currently less than 0.7% of its GDP, far below the global average of 1.8%. Boosting R&D investments, particularly in frontier technologies like AI, machine learning, and quantum computing, will be crucial to maintaining its competitive edge.

Leapfrogging to Viksit Bharat: 2047 Vision

Looking ahead, India's ambitions to become a $10 trillion economy by 2047 are grounded in both its demographic dividend and technological advancements. But to make this leap, the country must focus on enablers like education and governance. STEM education needs an overhaul to include core subjects such as AI and data science. Vocational training should be aligned with future job markets, ensuring that India's workforce is prepared for the digital economy.

Moreover, ease of doing business and regulatory clarity will be critical in attracting investments and driving growth. India's G20 presidency has already demonstrated its commitment to inclusive development, advocating for technology to be a bridge, not a barrier, to global prosperity.

Technology: A Catalyst for Shared Human Progress

The world is watching how India, with its blend of youthful ambition and technological prowess, navigates the challenges and opportunities of the Intelligent Age. Through a combination of strategic investments, global partnerships, and a focus on human-centered technological advancement, India can set an example for other emerging economies.

The World Economic Forum , in collaboration with the Indian government, aims to leverage these advancements for shared human progress, advocating for a future where technology drives sustainable and equitable development.

As we stand on the brink of unprecedented global transformation, India’s role in the Intelligent Age is not just to be a participant, but a leader. The question now is: how far will India go in shaping the future of our interconnected world?