New Delhi:When it comes to producing Bachelors in Science Engineering, India is at the top of the world, a recent report has revealed. This news could be a positive indication for hundreds of Indian students, parents, and policy-makers. 

As per the numbers from a 2014 study, which was released now, India accounts for 25% of the estimated 75 lakh science and engineering bachelor's degrees awarded across the world in 2014, the maximum in the world, the report says.

 However, the US tops the charts in research and development spending and awarded the largest number of science and engineering doctoral degrees (40,000) in 2014, theannual Science and Engineering Indicators 2018 report of the National Science Foundation added.

According to the most recent estimates, in 2014, the US awarded the largest number of S&E doctoral degrees (40,000) of any country, followed by China (34,000), Russia (19,000), Germany (15,000), the United Kingdom (14,000) and India (13,000). In contrast, the US lags in bachelor’s level degrees.

Also, China’s growth in science and engineering (S&E) field continued at an exceptional pace, asnearly half of all degrees awarded in China are in S&E fields.It comes at number 2 with 22 per cent after India. Followed by the European Union (EU) at 12 per cent and the US at 10per cent; theUS government reportsaid.

Since 2000, the number of S&E bachelor's degrees awarded in China has gone up by 300 per cent, the report said.

Although, the US is the global leader in science and technology (S&T) but, its global share of S&T activities is declining as other nations — especially China — that continues to rise.

S&E Publications:

Among the major producers of S&E publications, the United Kingdom had the highest international collaboration rate (57 per cent) in 2016, followed by France (55 per cent) and Germany (51 per cent). The US followed with a 37 per cent international collaboration rate, up 12 per cent from 2006.

The impact of S&E publications has also become more global. Between 2004 and 2014, the share of US publications with citations from abroad increased from 47 per cent to 56 per cent.

Meanwhile, when on one side India has beaten all other countries of the world in creating engineers and science graduates,it has severely lacking behind at the same time in post-graduateresearchers, as China and US are hogging all the limelight in that aspect.

While the US awarded record 40,000 Science and Technology post-graduate doctoral degrees in 2014, thereby becoming #1 nation to do so globally, China awarded 34,000 such degrees; meanwhile, India managed only 13,000.

R&D Expenditures:

While, the US led the world in R&D expenditures at USD 496 billion (26 per cent share of the global total) in 2015, China was a decisive second at 21 per cent (USD 408 billion). China has grown its R&D spending at an average of 18 per cent annually since 2000.

During the same time frame, the US R&D spending grew by only four per cent. According to the report, the US invests the most in research and development (R&D), attracts the most venture capital, awards the most advanced degrees, provides the most business, financial and information services, and is the largest producer in high-technology manufacturing sectors.

 Similarly, while the US attracted the most investment (nearly USD 70 billion), accounting for slightly more than half of the global share, 26 per cent of total venture capital funds went to China.

Countries also specialise in different fields of research, with the US, EU and Japan publishing heavily across the medical and biological sciences, while India and China focus on engineering, the report said.

Lastly, what makes India do well?

It is believed that, India has done well since the inception of 21st century. Better medical and engineering colleges have made it possible for more students to focus on their career and education.

The rapid rise of internet technology has an impact too. One example of it is the ‘eLearning websites’. Students do not need to buy expensive books. They can practice mock papers online for JEE or NEET.

JEE (engineering entrance exam), and NEET (medical entrance) are allowing more and more students to take this career along with the aid of eLearning.

                However, if we relate to the news, then a new reality dawns upon us – now we will have more engineers and science graduates than jobs, and this can become a big social issue in the coming days. Are we prepared?

References:

https://arunachaltimes.in

http://www.thehindu.com

https://sabakuch.com

http://www.newindianexpress.com