Expanding Artificial Intelligence in India: Unlocking Potential and Innovation

India’s ambitious goal of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the lives of its 1.4 billion citizens necessitates the establishment of AI Centers of Excellence (CoEs) beyond traditional educational institutions. A discussion paper by Niti Aayog, titled “National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence,” highlights the limited scope of serious AI research in India and calls for the broadening of AI CoEs.

Expanding the locational reach of AI CoEs would yield numerous benefits. It would result in a larger pool of quality AI researchers, leading to fresh ideas and approaches tailored to the Indian context. Decreasing reliance on AI products developed elsewhere would contribute to Indian innovation and reduce the need for customization. Additionally, this expansion would promote entrepreneurial activity and job creation in smaller towns and cities, making AI a force for good for all social and economic groups in India.

Supporting the establishment of AI CoEs in newly established educational and research institutions, including those in the private sector, through grants and soft loans would have positive implications for India’s position in the global AI domain and the Global Innovation Index (GII). This initiative aligns with national missions such as Digital India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, further bolstering India’s self-reliance and innovation capabilities.

Despite India’s improved GII ranking over the years, it still lags behind its prominent Asian peers. Enhancing the AI research capacity of Indian institutions is crucial for climbing the GII and becoming globally competitive. Leveraging the Ministry of Education’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and considering institutions beyond the established IITs and IISc for CoE support would ensure a diverse and comprehensive approach to fostering AI research in India.

As India strives to become a developed nation by 2047 and uplift the living standards of its citizens, harnessing the power of AI becomes crucial. With strategic implementation and investment, AI technologies can significantly contribute to achieving India’s objectives. It is essential for the country to position itself as a leader in the AI domain and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the AI wave.

References:

– “Discussion Paper on the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence” – Niti Aayog