MoSPI and IIMA Partner to Advance Public Data Innovation and Policy Research

This initiative aligns with MoSPI's ongoing efforts to integrate emerging technologies and academic expertise to address the evolving needs of policy research and decision-making.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), recently organized a workshop on "Emerging Trends in Public Data and Technology for Research and Policy." Held at the prestigious IIMA campus, the event aimed to explore innovative ways to enhance the national data ecosystem and advance evidence-based policymaking in India. This initiative aligns with MoSPI's ongoing efforts to integrate emerging technologies and academic expertise to address the evolving needs of policy research and decision-making.

The workshop brought together a distinguished group of experts, policymakers, academics, and research professionals, including Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI & Head of the National Statistical Office (NSO), Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Director of IIMA, Sh. P.R. Meshram, Director General, MoSPI, and senior officials from the Ministry. Faculty members, students, and representatives from premier academic and research institutions also attended, contributing to dynamic discussions and knowledge exchange.

Leveraging Public Data for Effective Policy Formulation

The focus of the workshop was to delve into the transformative potential of public data and the role of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), in policy formulation. Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Director of IIMA, underscored the importance of AI in shaping public policies and enhancing decision-making processes. However, he also raised concerns about the risks associated with the use of historical data patterns in AI systems. "While AI can significantly enhance decision-making, it is essential to establish safeguards to ensure fairness and accuracy," Prof. Bhaskar stated. He emphasized that collaboration between academia, government, and industry should focus on maximizing the benefits of technology for public good.

Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, highlighted the Ministry’s role in generating and managing national statistics, including surveys and macroeconomic indicators. He explained that India’s vast volume of administrative data presents a unique opportunity to integrate it with alternate datasets, thus meeting the increasing demands for reliable and timely information. Dr. Garg noted that MoSPI must rejuvenate legacy data using emerging technologies to make it AI-ready, and institutions like IIMA can play a crucial role in this process. "As the custodian of decades-old datasets, MoSPI must leverage innovative technologies to ensure that our data remains relevant and valuable," he remarked.

Partnership for Data Innovation

A major outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoSPI and IIMA. This MoU serves as a framework for collaboration between the two institutions, fostering joint efforts in data innovation and ensuring that academic research contributes meaningfully to policy development. The partnership will focus on creating avenues for integrating cutting-edge technology with public data, thereby facilitating the design and implementation of effective policies.

As part of the preparatory activities for the workshop, a focused session with IIMA faculty was conducted in the morning. This session explored the potential for leveraging the expertise of both institutions to enhance data-driven policy support. Discussions highlighted the importance of creating an institutional framework for sustained collaboration between the National Statistical Office (NSO) India and IIMA. The session also stressed the need for developing human capital capable of advancing these initiatives and driving the future of data-driven policymaking.

Advancing India's Statistical Ecosystem

The workshop reaffirmed the significance of integrating public data with cutting-edge technology to promote evidence-based policymaking in India. By engaging with academic institutions like IIMA, MoSPI aims to harness research-driven insights and technological advancements that can help strengthen the country's statistical ecosystem. This collaboration marks a significant step towards building a robust, data-driven policy environment in India, reinforcing MoSPI’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity in the national statistical system.

Furthermore, the discussions underscored the importance of fostering academic collaboration and encouraging interdisciplinary research to address complex policy challenges. By embracing emerging technologies and leveraging the expertise of top-tier institutions, MoSPI and IIMA aim to contribute to the development of a sustainable and efficient data infrastructure that will support India’s policy-making process in the coming years.

This event marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards data-driven governance, with both MoSPI and IIMA working together to enhance the accessibility, relevance, and impact of public data in policymaking. With AI, big data analytics, and other cutting-edge technologies at the forefront, the future of public policy formulation in India looks promising and more informed than ever.