India’s Data Revolution: How AI and Innovation are Shaping the Future of Policymaking

India is strengthening its data ecosystem to enhance evidence-based policymaking through a partnership between MoSPI and IIMA. They held a workshop on emerging trends in public data and technology, focusing on leveraging data, AI, and academic collaborations to address policy challenges. Professor Bharat Bhaskar emphasized AI’s role in policymaking, while Dr. Saurabh Garg discussed modernizing legacy data for AI compatibility. A key outcome was an MoU between MoSPI and IIMA to foster data innovation.

Additionally, MoSPI partnered with IITGN to host a hackathon, encouraging AI-driven solutions for socio-economic challenges. Winning teams developed impactful solutions, highlighting India’s commitment to data-driven governance.

India’s Data Revolution: How AI and Innovation are Shaping the Future of Policymaking

India is taking significant steps to strengthen its data systems, aiming to enhance policymaking through evidence-based strategies. A key player in this effort is the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), which has partnered with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) to drive innovation. Recently, the two institutions co-hosted a workshop titled “Emerging Trends in Public Data and Technology for Research and Policy” at IIMA. The event brought together experts such as Dr. Saurabh Garg from MoSPI, Professor Bharat Bhaskar from IIMA, and other senior officials to discuss how technology and data can address critical policy challenges.

Workshop Highlights: AI, Data, and Collaboration

Professor Bharat Bhaskar initiated the discussions by highlighting the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in policymaking. He acknowledged AI’s potential to rapidly analyze vast datasets but cautioned that biases in historical data—such as outdated social or economic patterns—could skew AI outcomes. For example, if past data reflects inequalities, AI might unintentionally perpetuate them. To mitigate this risk, he stressed the need for careful data auditing and inclusive design principles to ensure fairness.

Dr. Saurabh Garg outlined MoSPI’s efforts to modernize India’s statistical infrastructure. He emphasized the integration of traditional government data (such as census surveys) with newer sources, including digital platforms and satellite imagery, to create a more comprehensive picture of public needs. However, he noted that many of MoSPI’s older data systems are not compatible with modern AI tools. Upgrading these systems, he said, is essential, and IIMA’s expertise in technology and management could play a pivotal role in this transformation.

Strengthening Ties Through an MoU

A significant outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoSPI and IIMA. This agreement aims to foster collaboration in data innovation, ensuring academic research directly informs policy design. For instance, IIMA researchers may analyze trends in employment or health data to help shape welfare schemes, while MoSPI provides access to real-world datasets and policy challenges. The partnership also focuses on training programs to build a skilled workforce capable of managing data-driven initiatives.

Before the workshop, IIMA faculty held brainstorming sessions to identify areas of collaboration. Ideas included creating courses on data ethics, hosting joint research projects, and developing AI tools tailored to government needs. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between academia and policymaking, ensuring theories are tested against real-world problems.

Hackathons for Grassroots Innovation

Beyond the workshop, MoSPI also partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) to organize “Hack the Future,” a 36-hour hackathon. Students from 18 institutions, including IITs, NITs, and IIITs, used public data to design AI and data science solutions for issues such as healthcare access, rural education, and climate resilience. Mentors from academia, industry, and government guided the teams in refining their ideas. Winning projects included a platform to predict disease outbreaks using health records and environmental data (Plaksha University), a tool to optimize renewable energy distribution (IIT Jammu), and an app connecting farmers with market prices and weather forecasts (NIT Goa).

Why This Matters

India’s policy challenges—from urbanization to digital equity—require agile, data-backed solutions. By collaborating with institutions like IIMA and IITGN, MoSPI is tapping into academic expertise to modernize its data infrastructure. For example, updating decades-old census methods with AI-driven surveys could provide faster, more accurate insights into population trends. Similarly, partnerships ensure that policies are grounded in rigorous research, reducing trial-and-error approaches.

These initiatives also prepare future leaders. Students engaged in hackathons or research projects gain hands-on experience tackling national issues, while government officials benefit from training in cutting-edge tools. This two-way knowledge exchange builds an ecosystem where data and technology drive sustainable development.

Looking Ahead

MoSPI’s efforts reflect a broader shift toward open data and collaborative governance. By making public data accessible and partnering with academia, India is fostering innovation that addresses both current and emerging challenges. As AI and big data evolve, such partnerships will be critical to ensuring policies are inclusive, adaptive, and rooted in evidence—key pillars for equitable growth.

In summary, India’s journey toward data-driven governance is gaining momentum. Through workshops, hackathons, and institutional partnerships, MoSPI is bridging the gap between data and action, ensuring policies are not only well-intentioned but also well-informed.