In an exclusive interview with Tanay Kumar Education Post, Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM Ahmedabad, shares insights on AI’s impact, the institution’s open learning platform, the booming e-commerce sector in India, and the significance of the Sardar Patel Good Governance Fellowship Program. Reflecting on IIMA’s journey and achievements, including the prestigious EQUIS accreditation, Prof. Bhasker outlines the institute’s three prominent ambitions for the future: embracing technology, expanding global reach, and addressing societal challenges through research and education initiatives.
People are scared of AI’s penetration in ‘almost’ every important sector. In your good observation, which sectors do you see that will be least penetrated (or will take a long time) by Artificial Intelligence and why?
The emergence of AI has indeed caused anxiety among professionals, especially the notion that it has the potential to replace human jobs and disrupt various sectors. However, we must remember that AI is not a monolithic entity, and its capabilities and limitations can vary depending on the specific application. It is undeniable that AI has the potential to revolutionize life and business, but we must understand that we can establish a symbiotic relationship where AI augments human functioning. For this, we must find the right balance and learn to leverage AI’s strengths while acknowledging its limitations and preserving the irreplaceable value of human skills and judgment.
Even as we see AI gradually becoming an integral part of the world around us, there are certain sectors that I believe will see a slower penetration of AI. For example, areas such as counselling, therapy, where core human interaction and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable.
AI, in its current form, cannot replicate human artistry or take nuanced judgements or make ethical considerations. Hence, sectors that need human experience, oversight, intuition, ability to apply ethical frameworks or manual dexterity, are yet to see disruptions. Even as AI is growing tremendously in terms of practical application, human intervention will remain as the core of its functioning. Therefore, professionals must prioritize upskilling to ensure that they are technically equipped to harness and benefit from new-age innovations.
This year, IIM Ahmedabad rolled out its open learning platform for students and professionals. Please tell us about it and what will be the core courses that will be taught in it?
Online@IIMA is a key step in our journey, and it was launched to serve as the first touchpoint for aspirants intending to take on an intensive and high-quality learning experience to upskill and upgrade. On the platform, learners have the option to choose between a wide range of asynchronous and synchronous programs, that are customized to suit their learning needs. Currently, the platform offers a wide range of courses in Human Resources, Information System, Leadership Skills, etc.
To amplify our efforts and widen our reach, we are also offering these courses on Swayam and Coursera. For the first time, we have introduced a course in Hindi on Digital Transformation – Theory and Application through SWAYAM to help aspirants who are more comfortable learning in the language.
We are closely watching the platform to understand the requirements of our learners better. We will soon be launching a specialisation course on Advanced Digital Transformation, which is a three-part series that will help the learner create advanced strategies and business models to leverage digital technologies.
While our courses are available on Coursera and SWAYAM, we will be launching the first course on the Online@IIMA platform with the Economic Sutra – Modern Economic Policies and Ancient India. The course brings to light the economic ethics derived from ancient Indian treatises including Puranas, Upanishads, and the Vedas.
Learners will soon be able to access a feature – ‘Learning Path’ – that will provide a tailor-made the challenges we face in terms of logistics, digital literacy and cyber security.
The youth can play a crucial role in further fueling the economic growth triggered by e-commerce. For those interested in pursuing careers in this sector, there are innumerable opportunities waiting. For those interested in the technical side of e-commerce, there are opportunities that await across the globe. For those interested in exploring their entrepreneurial side on e-commerce platforms, technical skills, a fair understanding of areas such as marketing and finance, etc. can be of great help.
Study of Good Governance is often regarded under Policy Education streams. Please tell us about the rationale behind the beginning of Sardar Patel Good Governance Fellowship Program and its response so far.
Good governance is the defining cornerstone of progress and prosperity of any society. Through the Sardar Patel Good Governance Fellowship Programme, IIMA is joining hands with the Government of Gujarat to identify and equip young minds with the knowledge and skills to contribute to good governance and create positive impact on the society, at large. We intend to develop skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation within the Indian context.
IIMA has played a significant role in shaping public policy in India through its research that provides evidence-based recommendations to policymakers; through case studies that are used by policymakers to gain insights into complex issues. We also have several policy focused centers and think tanks that conduct research, organize conferences and workshops, and provide expertise to government agencies. IIMA offers various executive education programmes and short courses on public policy issues for government officials, civil servants, and industry professionals.
Our partnership with the Government of Gujarat for the Sardar Patel Good Governance Fellowship Programme is one more step in the direction of influencing policy-making to create a positive impact on society.
In 2008, IIMA became the first business school in the country to be awarded EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) accreditation. How has the accreditation of EQU IS changed the perception of IIMA, or any other contribution because of it?
IIMA is one of the first management education institutes in the country to receive the EQUIS accreditation. The accreditation is an acknowledgment of the standards we have maintained in our education, research, and practice and stands testimony to our commitment to excellence.
As it is a widely recognized European accreditation, it has played a significant role in influencing both the perception of the institute in the global business education landscape and its overall trajectory. Today, IIMA stands tall amidst the world’s top management education institutes and the accreditation testifies for the rigorous international standards what we adhere to. It has broadened IIMA’s appeal to international talent, attracting high-caliber students and faculty from across the globe. This diversity enriched the learning environment and fostered cross-cultural exchange in the global business education landscape.
The EQUIS membership opened doors for IIMA to collaborate with other accredited institutions, facilitating faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, and student exchange programs. This enriched the academic experience and exposed students to diverse perspectives.
IIMA has continuously adapted its curriculum, research focus, and executive education programs to address contemporary business challenges and industry needs. The global recognition and reputation associated with EQUIS accreditation made IIMA even more attractive to leading recruiters. This translated into better placement opportunities for graduates and enhanced industry engagement.
Recently, IIMA celebrated its 62nd Institute Day. What are the three prominent ambitions of IIM Ahmedabad in the coming years?
At IIMA, we believe in change that helps us keep up with the evolving industrial landscape. Taking these changes into consideration, we would like to focus on deepening our engagement with technology and innovation. IIM Ahmedabad is actively integrating AI and Data Science and ESG into its curriculum. We have also established the Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Centre for Digital Transformation, Centre for ESG Research, etc. and are also now offering a dedicated course on Business Analytics. The ambition is to become a leading hub for educating future business leaders on how to leverage these technologies for strategic decision-making, innovation, and problem-solving.
We would also like to expand our global reach and impact by building on its existing partnerships with top universities abroad, fostering deeper academic and research collaborations. This may involve joint research projects, student exchange programs, and faculty exchange programs.
We also intend to strengthen our focus on research and education initiatives aimed at addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and access to resources. This might involve collaborations with NGOs, government agencies, and social enterprises.
