Ropar: The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) and the Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), Chandigarh, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research, technology, public policy and capacity building.
The agreement was signed by IIT Ropar director Prof Rajeev Ahuja and CRRID chairperson of the governing body Vini Mahajan in the presence of Rupnagar deputy commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal and senior officials from both institutions.
The collaboration will bring together CRRID’s work in social science research, development policy and government-related assignments with IIT Ropar’s expertise in engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), data science and emerging technologies.
One of the focus areas will be the use of AI and data-driven methods in public policy and governance. The institutions will explore AI-enabled solutions for policy formulation, monitoring and implementation of public programmes, as well as impact assessment of government schemes.
The areas identified for collaboration include rural and industrial development, agriculture, health, sustainability, urban governance, public finance and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The MoU also provides for work involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, geospatial technologies, digital systems and engineering solutions in development-related sectors. The institutions may undertake joint and sponsored research projects, develop technology-enabled policy solutions and submit proposals to government bodies, multilateral organisations, foundations and industry.
Joint research publications, policy papers and reports are also part of the proposed collaboration.
The two institutions will organise conferences, policy roundtables, workshops, executive education and capacity-building programmes. These may include training for government and public sector personnel in public policy, AI, data governance, technology adoption and programme evaluation.
The agreement also provides for faculty and researcher exchanges, internships and research attachments. Faculty members and researchers may also mentor or co-supervise undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral research, subject to the academic rules of the respective institutions.
Ahuja said the partnership would combine IIT Ropar’s capabilities in AI, data science and engineering with CRRID’s experience in public policy and rural development.
Mahajan said the collaboration could help bridge technology and public policy by combining CRRID’s understanding of institutions, communities and public programmes with IIT Ropar’s capabilities in technology, AI and data science.
The institutions said responsible use of AI would be an important component of the collaboration, with attention to data protection, cybersecurity, human oversight, explainability and bias assessment.
The MoU provides an umbrella framework for the partnership. Individual projects involving funding, deliverables, intellectual property rights or data sharing will require separate project-specific agreements.
