ISB Insights Forum 2024

ISB was founded on the premise that academic research that is locally relevant and globally respected plays a vital role in creating a vibrant business ecosystem. We are proud that we have made some progress in building a community of scholars who use cutting-edge research to solve the thorny problems that India faces as it develops.

Research isn't just about facts and figures. It is a fusion of science and imagination. And framing India’s research future is a collaborative effort.

The ISB Insights Forum, launched in 2023, is a by-invitation-only, annual research showcase, and a platform to spotlight key research shaping management discourse in India and around the globe. It also seeks to recognise crucial support from individuals - through their philanthropy, corporate expertise, and academic contributions - towards the advancement of research initiatives in the country. 

Agenda

The second edition of the Forum brought together academicians, policymakers, industrialists, and knowledge creators to create actionable research agendas towards a brighter future for the planet’s 8 billion inhabitants. Led by some of ISB’s senior faculty and senior thought leaders from the government and industry, discussions at the day-long forum explored solutions to many pressing issues that the nation faces today and in the future.

Themes

Corporate Governance

High Stakes, Higher Standards: How to Regulate Independent Directors?

Although the Companies Act and SEBI regulations outlined the duties of independent directors beginning in 2013, enforcement actions for breach of those duties are more recent. Public policy must find the right balance in enforcing these rules. Excessively stringent enforcement could dissuade capable individuals from accepting board positions, while lax enforcement could lead to negligence among directors. At the centre of the discussion is the concept of "duty of care." What does it mean, and in what circumstances can directors be held accountable for the breach of this duty? This session brought together lawyers, corporate legal officers, regulators, and independent directors to discuss these questions.

Rural Development

Paving Pathways to Prosperity: The Impact of Rural Road Connectivity in India

This session explored the transformative role of rural road connectivity in India and its potential to integrate rural communities into the broader economy. Drawing on a range of scholarly research, including studies on poverty alleviation, healthcare access, and agricultural market dynamics, this session focused on how improved infrastructure can enhance livelihoods and promote economic resilience. Participants engaged in a dialogue about the implications of these findings for policy and practice, fostering a deeper understanding of the critical intersection between transportation and economic development in rural settings.

Productivity@Work

Compensation Reimagined: Designing Incentives that Work

Compensation schemes have a surprising and significant impact on employee motivation and performance. This session explored how different incentive structures—from gamification and contests to commissions and non-monetary rewards—can drive or diminish productivity. We learned why reward systems and negotiations fail to achieve desired outcomes and how redesigning compensation can lead to more effective and sustainable results. The session provided valuable insights into optimizing compensation strategies to align employee behaviour with business goals, offering practical takeaways for managers, HR professionals, and business leaders looking to boost motivation and performance through a better-designed incentive scheme.

Artificial Intelligence

Sorting Hype from Reality: Advancing AI as a General-purpose Technology

Is AI merely a fad or truly a general-purpose technology (GPT)? Does it have the power to be the kind of innovation that fundamentally transforms industries and economies? The practice and academic worlds stand divided on what AI can mean for the future. This session compared AI with other GPTs, such as ICT, by examining the contributions of universities, government, and private companies in creating evolving AI tech. By looking at trends in venture capital investments in AI startups and their performance, as well as the value of AI patents for companies, this session attempted to evaluate the real impact of AI and distinguish between hype and its actual capabilities.

Financial Inclusion

Digitisation and Financial Inclusion: Bank Accounts for the Unbanked

This session explored the findings from ongoing research on financial inclusion and the impact of digitization in India. Specifically, the session examined strides made in expanding financial access through innovations such as alternative credit scoring and digital banking. While progress is evident, challenges remain, including potential frictions and risks that could affect the future of financial services. Participants engaged in a dynamic discussion about the implications of these developments for individuals and the broader economy, seeking to understand how to harness technology effectively while addressing the persistent barriers.

Technology and Welfare Programmes

How digital technology is redefining the public distribution system

As India expands its public welfare programmes, technology is fundamentally reshaping how benefits are delivered. Key changes in welfare delivery, such as biometric authentication of beneficiaries, and portability of entitlements in the Public Distribution System (PDS) gives individuals the flexibility to access their benefits across different regions. However, studies of the effectiveness of these interventions have yielded mixed results: some show improved accessibility, whereas others show inadvertent exclusion of genuine beneficiaries due to technological barriers. This session explored the underlying mechanisms through which these interventions influence beneficiary welfare outcomes and program administration costs.