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The first edition of ISB Insights Forum, the flagship research conclave of the Indian School of Business, was held on Friday at the ISB Mohali campus. Industry leaders, academia, bureaucrats, and thought leaders from other walks of life engaged in lively discussions in several sessions.

The forum, which will now be an annual event, kickstarted with a session on misinformation and the impact of fake news on Indian democracy. Media practitioners shared their insights on how to tackle the misinformation virus and make informed choices. A parallel session on the impact of technological innovation on business and society was held, too.

One of the highlights of ISB Insights Forum was a session in which Madan Pillutla, Dean of ISB, and Rishikesha Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore, articulated their vision of making India a research superpower.

Madan Pillutla, Dean ISB (L) presenting a memento to Rishikesha Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore, at the ISB Insights Forum 2023.

Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB said, “India is not lacking in human capital. There have always been spots of brilliance. In the 1960s and ’70s, there have been scientists who have done a lot of great work. But these instances have been spotty, and there has been no one place where we can get all the great research talent. So can we create a few outstanding centres of excellence where we can bring together talent which can work together?”

He also emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration between academia and industry in research. He articulated that the industry would be willing to invest in academic research when they see solutions to problems coming out of that research.

Dinesh Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India, made a virtual appearance and said, “It is an honour to be amongst the forever young and entrepreneurial minds,” and calleds ISB "a human global leadership factory in its short two-decade journey”.

Sessions on corporate governance, healthcare, business analytics, and financial inclusion were also held as part of the ISB Insights Forum 2023.

Kris Gopalakrishnan Bestowed With ‘ISB Research Catalyst Award’

At the inaugural edition of the ISB Insights Forum, ISB bestowed Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of Axilor Ventures, with the ‘ISB Research Catalyst Award’ for his pioneering role in the growth of the research ecosystem in India.

Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice-Chairman of Bharti Enterprises and Member, ISB Executive Board, and Dean Madan Pillutla presented the award to Kris Gopalakrishnan.

The ISB Research Catalyst Award has been instituted to honour philanthropists involved in advancing research in all fields in India and across the world.

Before the award was conferred, a fireside chat featuring Kris Gopalakrishnan and Rakesh Bharti Mittal was moderated by John Reed, South Asia Bureau Chief of the Financial Times.

Dean Madan Pillutla (L) and Rakesh Bharti Mittal (R) presenting the ‘ISB Research Catalyst Award’ to Kris Gopalakrishnan.

During the conversation, Kris Gopalakrishnan called on the need to use technology to improve the quality of life of Indians. He said, “The need for research and development is being increasingly felt, and forums like these are now discussing that. I am optimistic that once we decide to do something, we will do it.”

Rakesh Bharti Mittal said, “I believe that if the research ecosystem can be programmed, then there can be a large amount of money which will come into it. We will get cutting-edge and efficient research, which India can deliver. Look at space. We have demonstrated that at a very frugal cost, we can send a rocket to the moon. We can go to Mars. There is no dearth of talent in India.”