India’s inclusive innovation can shape the world’s digital future

livemint.com:

At a time when the world is grappling with shifting global narratives and macroeconomic challenges, India is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Strong demand, resilient supply chains, relentless innovation, rapid digitization at scale, energetic entrepreneurship and a conducive policy-and-investment climate are shaping a new wave of global optimism over India. From governments across Europe and the US to power centres in the Global South, India’s name resonates in discussions on alliances and strategic partnerships.

‘Incredible India’ is now being seen as ‘Inevitable India.’ Hence, it’s no surprise that Goldman Sachs forecasts that India could become the world’s second-largest economy by 2075, with its GDP potentially reaching $52.5 trillion, trailing only China’s projected $57 trillion. EY predicts that India’s GDP will grow sixfold to $26 trillion by 2047, the 100th year of Independence, while Martin Wolf of the Financial Times sees India’s purchasing power surpassing that of the US by 30% by 2050. But the narrative of an ‘Inevitable India’ isn’t just about numbers.

It’s about a qualitative and inclusive digital transformation reshaping the nation’s social, economic and cultural fabric. With over 1.2 billion internet users, the third-largest startup ecosystem, a $250 billion technology industry and a 5 million-plus technology workforce, India is transforming itself into a young, vibrant and tech-savvy digital economy where no one is left behind. That is the real highlight of India.

Innovation in the West often caters to the top of the pyramid, focusing on the best before trying to reach out to the rest. India, however, has forged its own path in innovation, starting from the bottom and working its way up. This