Journeying on with India into the next millennium

Saurabh Sharma, who joined Elsevier as a sales manager 20 years ago, has risen through the ranks to become VP for Academic & Government research segments across the Asia Pacific region. He has personally witnessed the evolution of India’s academic research landscape.

A remarkable transformation

In reflecting on India’s science and innovation landscape over the past two decades, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. There has been a concerted effort from the government to bolster the nation’s research capabilities by establishing new institutions such as the IITs and NITs, which serve as epicentres of academic and governmental research. Although the percentage of GDP spent on research remains relatively low, targeted investments in sectors like biotechnology, space research, atomic research, agricultural research and fundamental sciences have begun to bear fruit. This strategic focus has been pivotal in making India a formidable player on the global research stage.

During this period, the palpable progress has been evident not just in the volume but also in the quality of research output. India has made significant strides, becoming the third largest producer of research globally. However, this growth brings with it both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, the “Make in India” initiative has paved the way for increased foreign investment and manufacturing, which in turn supports R&D activities within the country. On the other hand, the challenges of ensuring sustainable growth and quality in research remain, necessitating substantial policy reforms and increased investment in research infrastructure.

Safeguarding the integrity of research

One of the most pressing issues that could potentially derail India’s scientific progress is academic piracy, fraudulent publishing practices, and the proliferation of academic paper mills. These malpractices not only undermine the integrity of research but also tarnish the reputation of genuine scholars and institutions. To safeguard the credibility of India’s research output, it is imperative to implement stringent measures and policies that combat these unethical practices. Only by fostering a culture of rigorous academic integrity can India maintain and enhance its standing in the global research community.

Elevating the profile of local universities

As India continues on its upward trajectory, it is essential to not only scale up investments but also elevate the profile of domestic institutions. The government’s initiatives to invite foreign universities to set up campuses in India are commendable and will likely spur healthy competition. However, it is equally crucial to ensure that local institutions are not overshadowed but instead are empowered to rise to the occasion. By improving infrastructure, supporting individual researchers, and increasing the GDP percentage allocated to research, India can ensure that its research landscape continues to thrive and contribute significantly to global scientific advancements.

Ensuring equitable access to healthcare

In my high-level observations of the Indian healthcare landscape, the most significant challenge remains driving access to healthcare for India’s large and growing population. Since India's independence 77 years ago, we have made considerable strides in establishing a comprehensive primary healthcare ecosystem. Public hospitals, both at the primary and tertiary levels, have spearheaded public health research and have become centres of excellence. These institutions have also played a crucial role in building quality graduates, postgraduates and specialists in various medical fields.

However, despite this progress, challenges persist. One of the most pressing issues is ensuring equitable access to healthcare across India’s vast geography. The country’s diverse and often remote populations still face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare services. Furthermore, the healthcare ecosystem struggles with resource constraints, infrastructural gaps, and the need for more trained medical professionals to meet the high demand.

The game-changing power of digital health

On a more optimistic note, the recognition that digital health can play a huge role in driving healthcare equity is now firmly established among government and healthcare stakeholders. Initiatives are increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making, and telemedicine has become a crucial tool in reaching remote parts of the population. The integration of clinical decision support tools — once made intuitive and easy to deploy — promises to be a game-changer.

The power of partnership

These advancements present significant opportunities for partnerships with medical institutions and government health agencies, especially at the state level, to bring innovative solutions to the forefront. This will be critical for effective disease surveillance and population health management to achieve our SDG3 goals. National programs like Ayushman Bharat are exemplary in illustrating how India can achieve healthcare equity. This scheme aims to provide healthcare to over 500 million people, making it one of the world’s most ambitious health initiatives. It leverages both public and private sector resources to offer comprehensive health coverage, including secondary and tertiary care.

By embracing digital health solutions, telemedicine and data-driven strategies, we can further these efforts, ensuring that even the most underserved populations receive the care they need. The journey ahead may be complex, but with continued innovation and collaboration, we can make substantial strides toward a healthier India.

Shanker Kaul, Managing Director of Elsevier’s Health Solutions in India, is a seasoned business leader with deep and broad expertise spanning more than three decades in the healthcare space.

As Elsevier’s Director of Journal Operations in India, Malini Sree Sangeneni is upbeat about India’s potential and future and Elsevier's role in supporting India’s progress.

Expanding our presence to support India’s growth

Elsevier has been actively expanding its presence in India, with our overall headcount now close to 1,500 across Chennai and Bengaluru, and steadily growing. These numbers predominantly come from our Operations teams, with 400+ employees dedicated to technology roles, and we have ambitious plans for further expansion. This organic growth is a testament to the strategic importance we place on India as a key market and talent pool. By investing heavily in talent acquisition, forming partnerships with universities, and establishing robust development centres in key Indian cities, we are laying a strong foundation for sustained growth and innovation.

A robust educational infrastructure

India’s differentiating edge stems from its robust educational infrastructure, producing an average of 1.5 million engineering graduates annually, the largest number of engineering institutions globally, and similar impressive statistics in other subject areas. This unparalleled talent pool, coupled with world-class infrastructure, positions India as a valuable partner to Elsevier. Our continued investment in this region not only leverages these strengths but also aligns with our commitment to talent and driving technological advancements. This strategic focus ensures that we remain at the forefront of research and development, benefiting both our global and local stakeholders.

Tapping into India’s dynamic workforce

Elsevier’s Operations and Technology units in India are rife with potential and opportunities, poised to become global centres of excellence and innovation. Almost every vertical across our parent company, RELX, has been tapping into the dynamic and youthful workforce available, turning India into a pivotal knowledge hub that enhances collaboration, communication and efficiency. This move underscores the capabilities and dedication of our senior leadership in developing India’s role as a cornerstone of our global operations. The cost advantage, coupled with an expanding footprint, creates a fertile ground for employee growth and development, driving engagement and motivation.

This symbiotic relationship is not only beneficial for Elsevier and our employees but can also propel India towards even greater heights of success.

India by the numbers