Building Future-Ready R&D Ecosystems in Specialty Chemicals
Anubhav Saxena stands at the forefront of innovation in India’s specialty chemicals sector. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, he has shaped the strategic direction of R&D across polymers, adhesives, coatings, and advanced materials holding more than 50 patents as an inventor. His leadership is defined by scientific rigor, operational excellence, and an unwavering focus on building high-performing teams that deliver breakthrough innovations.
In a recent interaction with Priyanka R, Copywriter at siliconindia, Anubhav shared his insights on 'Building Future-Ready R&D Ecosystems in Specialty Chemicals'.
India’s Evolving Specialty Chemicals Landscape
India’s specialty chemicals industry is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by robust domestic demand, rising global competitiveness, and increasing R&D investments. Government initiatives such as Make in India, combined with strong private-sector participation, have positioned the country as a hub for advanced materials and chemical innovation.
According to industry estimates, India’s specialty chemicals market is expected to reach USD 70 billion by 2025, with R&D spending growing at a double-digit rate annually. The sector is steadily evolving from a cost-competitive manufacturing base to an innovation-led growth model.
Balancing the Innovation Portfolio- Building R&D Capability for Growth
India currently spends around 0.6% of its GDP on R&D, with the government contributing 0.4% and the private sector only 0.2%. This is far below the levels seen in developed economies. However, in the chemical sector, companies invest 0.6% of revenues in R&D, compared to the global average of 1.1%, enabling the greater private-sector engagement and innovation-led investments.
For the specialty chemicals sector, sustainable growth depends on achieving the right balance between product innovation, cost efficiency, and technology platform development.
An effective R&D portfolio should blend:
20-30% futuristic, exploratory research
40-50% new market-driven innovations
30-40% renovation and cost-optimization initiatives
Balancing short-term deliverables with long-term innovation strengthens market position, enhances profitability, and builds resilience in an evolving global chemical landscape.
Sustainability as a Scientific Imperative
Sealants, adhesives, and coatings are vital in our daily life, serving purposes such as assembling furniture, repairing household items, sealing tiles and window, door frames to prevent leaks, bonding packaging materials for secure shipping, manufacturing footwear and mattress, coating walls, vehicles, and electronics for protection and durability. Growing environmental concerns are now driving R&D efforts to make these products more eco-friendly, high-performing, and adaptable to diverse climate conditions.
On the technology front, R&D teams are advancing hybrid green formulations that offer strong adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to UV and temperature variations. The industry is also embracing sustainable packaging, VOC reduction, and clear ESG standards.
Advanced sealants and coatings improve building energy efficiency by providing airtight and watertight protection, reducing heat loss and energy consumption. Their durability and low-VOC compositions promote healthier, longer-lasting structures, supporting India’s transition toward sustainable construction.
Across the industry, the adoption of circular economy and decarbonization principles is accelerating. Organizations are increasingly integrating the 6 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refurbish, Recover, and Repair), shifting toward clean energy sources such as solar and wind to minimize environmental footprints.
Also Read: How Cloud and Infrastructure Solutions Are Redefining Operational Agility
Collaboration- The Catalyst for Innovation
Cross-disciplinary collaboration is at the heart of scientific innovation in specialty chemicals. In waterproofing systems, for example, this partnership integrates polymer synthesis, material science, analytical chemistry, engineering design, and application technology.
Scientists develop advanced polymers, formulators create adhesives and sealants, and application teams test these in real-world conditions across India’s diverse climates. This integrated approach not only accelerates product development but also ensures consistent quality and performance.
Beyond product innovation, collaboration among academia, startups, and industry strengthens the broader R&D ecosystem. By combining academic research with industrial expertise and entrepreneurial agility, such partnerships generate scalable, sustainable solutions. Frequent knowledge exchange, milestone-based research, and industry-aligned growth foster a more resilient and future-ready specialty chemicals environment.
Nurturing Future-Ready R&D Talent
To meet the evolving demands of the sector, it is critical to nurture future-ready skills among scientists and researchers. R&D professionals must be equipped to collaborate across disciplines, adopt emerging technologies, and translate user insights into innovative product solutions.
By cultivating a culture of curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning, organizations can empower their R&D teams to anticipate market trends, tackle complex challenges, and drive sustainable growth within the specialty chemicals domain.
Digital Transformation Driving R&D Innovation
Digitalization is reshaping the specialty chemicals sector. Tools such as AI, data analytics, and simulation software are enhancing every stage of R&D from ideation to commercialization. The transition from traditional paper-based records to electronic lab notebooks and AI-driven platforms is improving both productivity and insight generation.
Technologies like predictive modeling and IoT-enabled sensors are now being used to optimize formulations, monitor environmental factors in real time, and streamline workflows. With better data integration, AI and analytics can deliver faster, smarter, and more sustainable innovation outcomes.
For the specialty chemicals sector, sustainable growth depends on achieving the right balance between product innovation, cost efficiency, and technology platform development.
Turning User Insights into Product Innovation
Customer feedback plays a pivotal role in formulation-driven industries such as adhesives and waterproofing. The application of design thinking methodologies helps uncover the real challenges users face.
For instance, Pidilite conducted detailed studies with Zardosi artisans to understand their working patterns and challenges when applying fabric glue for appliqué work. The research revealed a need for better ergonomics, improved control, and greater visibility. Incorporating these insights, the product was redesigned with a curved bottle, offset cap, and a longer nozzle enhancing usability and comfort for both men and women artisans.
This user-centric innovation not only improved productivity and earning of artisans but also made the product a commercial success, with nearly 10 million units sold per month.
In essence, India’s chemical industry stands at a crucial juncture. With a deep talent pool and improving innovation metrics, the sector is poised for global transformation. However, realizing this potential will require closing funding gaps, strengthening academia-industry linkages, and fostering a research-driven culture.
By investing in R&D infrastructure, embracing sustainability, and encouraging collaboration across ecosystems, India can build a robust, future-ready R&D framework, positioning itself as a global leader in specialty chemical innovation.
