In a world where wireless devices have become integral to daily life, the advancements that make them work are not the result of mere chance but of years of diligent research and international collaboration. As the global community prepares for the dawn of 6G technology, India stands on the threshold of an opportunity to take the lead in the next era of connectivity.
Behind the seamless functionality of everyday devices lies a network of standardized technologies such as 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and audio/video codecs. These frameworks, orchestrated by organizations like India’s TSDSI, the EU’s ETSI, and the US’s IEEE, ensure devices communicate efficiently across borders. Through global technical forums, inventors propose solutions that ultimately become the standards enabling the technology we rely on.
India’s impressive growth in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) exports, coupled with a record-breaking 100,000 patents granted by the Indian Patent Office in 2023-24, demonstrates a solid foundation for leadership in the digital realm. To emerge as a dominant force in 6G, India’s strategy must be multifaceted, with the government aiming to secure 10% of global 6G patents and a substantial contribution to global standards.
Achieving these objectives will require focused action on four key fronts: empowering innovators through policies that encourage participation in Standard Development Organizations (SDOs), ensuring active engagement in global standardization efforts, cultivating a collaborative culture in technical and legal negotiations, and dramatically increasing investment in research and development. Currently, India’s R&D spending is a mere 0.5% of GDP, a figure that must rise significantly to fuel future innovation.
However, several challenges remain. A shortage of skilled personnel, slow progress in knowledge creation, and a lack of focus on pioneering technologies rather than merely manufacturing them, stand in the way of India’s technological aspirations. Overcoming these barriers requires a comprehensive and well-structured approach to fostering an ecosystem of innovation.
By the end of 2025, India could be positioned as a global leader in technological co-creation, not only in terms of faster networks but also in the development of smarter devices, connected ecosystems, and inclusive innovation. The journey toward 6G leadership is about more than speed—it’s about securing a future of technological leadership.
The stakes are high, and India’s moment to define the future of wireless innovation is now. Will it rise to the challenge and seize the opportunity to shape a connected tomorrow? The answer lies in decisive action today.