Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy, widely regarded as the pioneer of India's information technology revolution, has delivered a powerful lecture emphasizing the critical importance of research for the nation's future development. The event, which took place recently, saw the veteran entrepreneur sharing his insights on how strengthened research focus could transform India's global standing.
The Core Message: Research as National Priority
During his address titled 'The importance of research for India and the World,' Murthy articulated that strengthening both national and institutional focus on research is vital for building a better India. He stressed that systematic investment in research and development represents one of the most crucial factors that will determine India's ability to compete on the global stage in the coming decades.
The lecture, delivered on November 12, 2025, highlighted how countries that have prioritized research infrastructure have historically achieved greater economic prosperity and technological leadership. Murthy pointed to several international examples while drawing parallels to India's current position and potential.
Connecting India's IT Success to Research Future
Drawing from his extensive experience in building Infosys into a global IT powerhouse, Murthy explained how the same visionary approach that transformed India's software services industry must now be applied to research ecosystems. He emphasized that institutional research focus needs to become a cornerstone of India's educational and corporate frameworks.
"The mindset that propelled India's IT revolution must now drive our research revolution," Murthy reportedly stated during his presentation. He detailed how coordinated efforts between academic institutions, private corporations, and government bodies could create a vibrant research culture that produces groundbreaking innovations.
Practical Steps for Research Enhancement
Murthy outlined several key areas where immediate attention could yield significant results:
- Increased funding for fundamental research in universities
- Stronger industry-academia collaboration models
- Developing research talent from early education stages
- Creating better infrastructure for experimental work
The veteran entrepreneur emphasized that research investment today would determine India's economic trajectory for the next fifty years. He called for a national movement that places research and innovation at the center of India's development narrative, similar to how the IT sector received focused attention in the 1990s and 2000s.
Murthy's lecture concluded with an optimistic vision of India becoming a global research hub if the right policies and institutional frameworks are established. His message resonated strongly with attendees, particularly young researchers and academic professionals who see this as a critical moment for India's knowledge economy.
