Ashoka University: Leading Liberal Arts and Sciences University

Ashoka Science Policy Initiative

Ashoka Science Policy Initiative (SPI) was set up in 2019 to facilitate the framing of evidence based policies to address societal problems. Within a thriving culture for expression, research, practical support and thought leadership, Ashoka University renders SPI the right environment for policy research and capability building.

SPI is governed by the overarching vision to complement the efforts of the scientific community in India as well as spur innovation and continuous learning into the knowledge ecosystem. It serves as a knowledge hub, initiating discussions on issues, societal problems, science and technology concerns, through stakeholders’ consultations and dialogue; and defining the roadmap for future with the help of evidence-based white papers and policy briefs, recommendations and partnerships & collaborations.

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Evidence-based Research and Thought Leadership

SPI collaborates with the best faculty, researchers, practitioners and students to identify potential research areas in the domain of science and technology. It features evidence-based and independent researched white papers, policy briefs, publications, reports and perspectives, which contribute to Ashoka’s voice in enabling informed decision-making and sound policies by the policymakers.

Evidence-based Research and Thought Leadership

Consultations and Engagements

SPI conducts focused policy discussions, symposia, policy roundtables, workshops and webinars, involving relevant experts, stakeholders from the academia, government and the industry. The idea of having such engaged consultations is to discuss the potential opportunities at length which could be leveraged for development purpose or the challenges that have to be dealt with in the field of science and technology. These discussions have also led to crystallization of a possible roadmap or a set of policy suggestions for future; those which could be useful for the policymakers as a ready reference, while formulating or implementing strategies, plans and policies. Some of the consultations and engagements which have already taken place are in the areas of COVID-19 pandemic, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology.

The workshop was structured to foster discussions on six primary sub-themes, namely, Core AI, AI in the education sector, in healthcare, for supply-chain management, as a social good and its policy dimensions in the context of an emerging economy, India.

Consultations and Engagements

Policy Advocacy

SPI offers collaborative and partnership opportunities in its projects and initiatives. It also conducts focused policy activities to help streamline Ashoka’s growth and sustainability. Besides, it provides knowledge inputs, insights, policy feeds from time-to-time and as and when required. This helps policymakers design, adopt and implement policies informed by evidence, independent science and well-grounded analysis.

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