Economic Patriotism as a Catalyst for Economic Indigenization: The Role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India

Abstract

Self-reliance and domestic innovation are the pillars of economic patriotism, which has become a change of strategy in developing strategies. This paper discusses the importance of Indian Higher Education Institutions in triggering the process of indigenization within the framework of the Atmanirbhar Bharat. Based on quantitative secondary data, it evaluates correlations among HEI outputs in terms of Gross Enrolment Ratio, patent filings as well as start-up incubation and GDP growth. The existence of moderately positive associations (r = 0.50-0.56) testifies to the institutional importance of HEIs. According to patent applications and start-ups, which increased by 147 and 400 percent, respectively, campus-based innovation ecosystems are thriving. The paper suggests increased research and development investment and more robust commercialization channels to reap academic potential into long-term economic development in the mother country.