The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is working on a framework to assess the influence of knowledge and knowledge products on India’s economy. This initiative is crucial due to rapid technological advancements and the increasing need for complex skills in the workforce. The aim is to understand the significance of knowledge in economic activities and to devise policies that reflect the changing landscape.
A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) was established based on recommendations from a meeting led by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the principal scientific advisor to the government. In September 2025, a brainstorming workshop was held to create a taxonomy of knowledge products and identify metrics and data sources for measuring their contribution to the GDP. The ministry has now drafted a base paper on this framework after incorporating inputs from the TAG and stakeholders.
The base paper consists of four chapters focusing on various aspects such as the conceptualization of knowledge and the knowledge economy, methodologies and quantities available, India’s traditional knowledge along with its dimensions and challenges, and a primer on valuing knowledge’s contribution to the economy. The ministry has invited feedback on the base paper from all stakeholders and the public to finalize the framework by June 15, 2026, to ensure timely completion.
