Economic Survey 2018: India should leverage artificial intelligence, blockchain for future growth

India has the potential to be a global leader if it makes the right investments now in the technologies of the future including artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain, the Economic Survey 2017-18 said on Monday. Calling for greater focus and investment on R&D in science and technology, the Survey suggested a mission-driven approach that could have a huge impact on Indian society and growth. It suggested six key areas that can be taken up as national missions to promote India's R&D capabilities. One of these is the National Mission on Cyber Physical Systems. "This is hugely multidisciplinary area including deep mathematics used in artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, block chains, expert systems, contextual learning going to integration of all of these with intelligent materials and machines, control systems, sensors and actuators, robotics and smart manufacturing," the Survey noted.