At the AI Impact Summit 2026, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, emphasized that India must transition from being a technology services-led nation to an Intellectual Property (IP)-led nation. She argued that while services scale with effort, IP scales infinitely, making it the foundation for sustainable growth in the AI-driven economy.
Key Highlights of Roshni Nadar’s Address
- Structural Shift in AI: She described AI as a “structural shift” where knowledge itself is being commoditized.
- IP Creation Priority: India must focus on building, owning, and shaping platforms, models, and products rather than just deploying technology.
- National AI Infrastructure: She called for treating compute as digital public infrastructure to democratize access across startups, universities, and enterprises.
- Future Belongs to Builders: The value in the AI economy will accrue to those who create IP, not just deliver services.
Comparative Analysis: Services vs IP-Led Growth
| Dimension | Services-Led Model | IP-Led Model | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scalability | Scales with effort | Scales infinitely | Higher global competitiveness |
| Value Creation | Limited margins | High-value IP ownership | Sustainable growth |
| Global Positioning | Outsourcing hub | Innovation hub | Stronger influence |
| Talent Utilization | Service delivery | Product innovation | Enhanced creativity |
| Economic Contribution | Short-term revenue | Long-term wealth creation | Stronger GDP impact |
Why India Needs to Transition
- Global Competition: Nations like the US and China are leading in IP creation, leaving India vulnerable if it remains service-centric.
- Economic Sustainability: IP-led growth ensures recurring revenue streams through licensing and product ownership.
- Talent Utilization: India’s vast engineering and IT talent pool can be harnessed for innovation rather than repetitive service delivery.
- AI Era Demands: The AI economy rewards creators of platforms and models, not just implementers.
Sectoral Opportunities for IP-Led Growth
| Sector | IP Potential | Example Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | AI diagnostics, biotech patents | AI-enabled medical imaging |
| Education | EdTech platforms, adaptive learning IP | AI-driven personalized learning |
| Agriculture | Smart farming solutions, agri-tech patents | AI crop monitoring systems |
| Manufacturing | Robotics, automation IP | AI-powered industrial automation |
| Finance | FinTech algorithms, blockchain IP | AI fraud detection systems |
Analytical Perspective
Roshni Nadar’s call reflects a strategic vision for India’s technology future. While services have powered India’s IT sector for decades, the next phase of growth demands IP ownership and innovation. By investing in AI infrastructure, fostering startups, and encouraging universities to patent innovations, India can position itself as a global leader in intellectual property creation.
The transition, however, requires:
- Policy Support: Stronger IP protection laws and incentives for innovation.
- Cultural Shift: Moving from service delivery mindset to product creation.
- Investment in R&D: Increased funding for research institutions and startups.
Disclaimer
This article is a synthesized news analysis based on publicly available speeches and industry reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent official company statements. Readers are advised to follow verified updates for formal details on HCLTech’s strategy and India’s IP-led initiatives.
