Historical Patterns of Power and Technology
In a post shared on social media platform X, Shrivastava highlighted that throughout history, civilizations that led in technology also held economic power. Citing examples from Mesopotamia and Rome to modern giants like the US and China, he emphasized that tech dominance has consistently paved the way for economic supremacy. The pattern is clear, he noted—nations that invest in and embrace innovation inevitably shape global influence.
India’s Untapped Talent Pool
Despite having a highly skilled engineering workforce, India has not yet translated its talent into global tech leadership. Shrivastava suggested that while the nation takes pride in its technical graduates and innovation hubs, there remains a visible hesitation toward emerging technologies. As an example, he pointed out that mainstream attitudes toward blockchain and cryptocurrency remain skeptical, with many still dismissing these sectors as unstable or speculative.
Cultural and Structural Challenges
Beyond just technology adoption, Shrivastava criticized certain old societal trends that, in his view, reflect a lack of scientific temperament. He expressed concern over the growing acceptance of pseudoscience, gambling, and astrology, suggesting these are signs of regression rather than progress. He also referenced India’s reluctance to fully embrace app-based services, contrasting it with the country’s ongoing reliance on traditional systems like local taxi unions.
Misaligned Incentives at the Core
The real hurdle, Shrivastava argued, lies in the incentives that drive political and economic decisions. According to him, while economic growth rewards forward-looking, tech-driven planning, politics often favors short-term populist moves that do not necessarily align with long-term innovation goals. This divergence, he said, is what holds India back from achieving true tech supremacy.
Shrivastava’s reflections come at a time when India is trying to position itself as a global tech hub, yet faces challenges in execution and policy alignment.
