The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), organized a workshop on ‘Emerging Trends in Public Data and Technology for Research and Policy’ at the IIM Ahmedabad campus. This initiative underscores MoSPI’s commitment to strengthening the national data ecosystem and advancing evidence-based policymaking.
MoSPI and IIMA signed the MoU for setting a foundation for collaborative efforts in data innovation. This strategic partnership will facilitate the integration of academic research into policy development, ensuring that data-driven insights contribute effectively to governance and decision-making.
As a precursor to the main event, a focused session with IIMA faculty was conducted, exploring avenues to leverage institutional expertise in enhancing data-driven policy frameworks. The discussions emphasized the need for an institutional framework to sustain collaboration between the National Statistical Office (NSO) and IIMA while fostering the development of skilled professionals in this domain.
The workshop reaffirmed the critical role of public data integration with emerging technologies in fostering evidence-based policymaking. By engaging with academic institutions, MoSPI aims to harness research-driven insights and technological advancements to strengthen India’s statistical ecosystem. This collaboration signifies a major step toward building a robust, data-driven policy environment, reinforcing MoSPI’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity within the national statistical system.
The event was graced by distinguished speakers, including Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI & Head, NSO; Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Director, IIMA; P.R. Meshram, Director General, MoSPI; along with senior ministry officials, faculty members, students, and representatives from premier academic and research institutions. Discussions revolved around leveraging public data, emerging technologies, and academic collaborations to address contemporary policy challenges.
Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Director of IIMA, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in policy formulation while cautioning against potential biases embedded in historical data patterns. ‘While AI can significantly enhance decision-making, it is essential to establish safeguards ensuring fairness and accuracy. Our collaboration should focus on maximizing benefits for public good,’ he stated.
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, provided an overview of the Ministry’s role in conducting various surveys and generating macroeconomic indicators. ‘India’s vast administrative data presents a unique opportunity to integrate with alternative datasets to meet evolving data user expectations. As custodians of decades-old datasets, MoSPI must rejuvenate legacy data using emerging technologies to make it AI-ready. Institutions like IIMA can play a crucial role in this endeavor,’ he remarked.
The workshop marked a significant step toward strengthening India’s statistical framework by fostering academic partnerships and integrating advanced technology into public data utilization. Moving forward, MoSPI and IIMA will collaborate on data-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing policy effectiveness and promoting a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.
