Anubhav Saxena on Building Future-Ready R&D Ecosystems in India’s Specialty Chemicals Sector
Anubhav Saxena, R&D President of Pidilite Industries, emphasizes the evolving specialty chemicals landscape in India driven by innovation, increased R&D, and sustainability. The sector expects to reach USD 70 billion by 2025, focusing on a balanced innovation portfolio, eco-friendly products, collaboration across disciplines, and digital transformation to foster growth and global competitiveness.
Anubhav Saxena, a leading figure in India's specialty chemicals industry with over 50 patents, shares insights on advancing R&D ecosystems amid India's growing demand and government initiatives like Make in India. The specialty chemicals market is projected to reach USD 70 billion by 2025, with R&D investments rising annually. Saxena outlines the need for a balanced innovation portfolio combining exploratory research, market-driven innovations, and cost optimization. Emphasizing sustainability, the sector focuses on green formulations, low-VOC products, and circular economy principles to reduce environmental impact. Cross-disciplinary collaboration involving polymer synthesis, material sciences, and industrial partnerships accelerates innovation and quality. Moreover, nurturing future-ready talent with skills in collaboration and digital tools is critical. Digital transformation leveraging AI, data analytics, and simulation enhances productivity and innovation from ideation to commercialization. User-centric design, showcased by Pidilite's redesign for artisans, illustrates the importance of real-world feedback in product success. Overall, Saxena highlights the need to close funding gaps, strengthen academia-industry ties, and foster a research-driven culture to position India as a global leader in specialty chemical innovation.
