IIM Ahmedabad, NIIF to set up India’s first research chair in ESG

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad is set to establish a research chair in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in collaboration with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIF), a sovereign wealth fund that was set up by the Indian government. IIM Ahmedabad claims that this is the country’s first research chair in ESG.

The “NIIF chair in ESG at IIM Ahmedabad” will help businesses and policymakers to adopt ESG principles while carrying out long-term strategies and practices, said a statement from IIM Ahmedabad. It will also conduct research, help governments in policymaking, and engage with international organisations to share and expand knowledge.

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The NIIF chair will collaborate with the Arun Duggal ESG centre for research and innovation, which was recently established by IIMA to support Indian industries design.

“We are delighted to set up a research chair for ESG with NIIF. The industry is increasingly realising the importance of recognising and incorporating ESG in their operations. There is a need for extensive research in the area and the designing of a frame of reference that can help Indian companies integrate ESG fundamentals in their business strategies and decisions in the long run. The research chair for ESG will work towards structuring and crafting a strategic roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, and students at the Institute to help plugin gaps in research and development in the area,” said Errol D’Souza, director of IIM Ahmedabad.

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NIIF Chair in ESG at IIM Ahmedabad

NIIF Chair in ESG at IIM Ahmedabad will carry out activities such as:

• Research on ESG issues

• Interaction with industries to help them adopt long-term decisions on business and practices aligned with ESG principles.

• Helping governments in policy formulation

• Interaction with international organisations to develop platforms for knowledge sharing and experience sharing.