Discuss on (i) Intellectual Property Rights. (ii) National Policy on Technology Missions.

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Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Intellectual Property Rights protect creations of the mind through patents, copyrights, trademarks, geographical indications and designs, rewarding innovation while balancing public access. Technology missions, launched in 1986-87 on drinking water, immunisation, literacy, oilseeds, dairy and telecom, apply science to national needs, and IPR protects the innovations they generate.

**Introduction**

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and the National Policy on Technology Missions are key to India’s innovation-driven growth, supported by frameworks like the National IPR Policy (2016) and initiatives such as the India Semiconductor Mission⟦1⟧. These policies aim to enhance India’s global competitiveness and build a knowledge-based economy, with examples like ==ISRO’s Sriharikota launch facility== highlighting state-led technological progress.

**Understanding Intellectual Property Rights**

1. **Economic Role and Challenges**: IPR fosters R&D and start-ups, exemplified by the Start-Up Intellectual Property Protection Scheme extended till 2026, but must balance monopolies with public access, especially in pharmaceuticals.  
2. **Social Impact and Legal Balance**: IPR also supports access to healthcare and environmental technologies, while compulsory licensing provisions ensure affordability and prevent misuse of patent rights.

**National Policy on Technology Missions**

1. **Origin, Impact and Challenges**: Launched in 1986-87 for drinking water, immunisation, literacy, oilseeds, dairy and telecom, the missions now extend to the India Semiconductor Mission, which has approved ₹1.60 lakh crore projects across six states, aiming to meet 70–75% of chip demand by 2029, but R&D investment remains low (~0.65% GDP). Talent shortages and regional disparities, such as in ==Rayalaseema==, pose ongoing challenges.

**Interlinkages and Way Forward**

1. **Policy Synergy**: National IPR Policy’s focus on legal frameworks and commercialization complements technology missions, with DPIIT integrating copyright and semiconductor layout design administration to create an enabling environment for innovation.  
2. **Way Forward**: Boost R&D funding and modernize IPR infrastructure in ==Andhra Pradesh==, promote inclusive innovation addressing ==Rayalaseema’s== drought, and strengthen industry-academia linkages to translate technology missions into market-ready solutions.

**Conclusion**

IPR and technology missions together foster innovation-led growth and technological self-reliance in India.

Discuss on (i) Intellectual Property Rights. (ii) National Policy on Technology Missions.

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