In a significant step towards economic transformation, 15 live projects under the Jharkhand Industrial Policy Lab were launched through a collaborative effort involving XLRI Jamshedpur, Jharkhand Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (JIIDCO), Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA), and Invest India. The initiative aims to enhance MSME competitiveness, improve governance, and accelerate sustainable infrastructure development in the state.
Launch Ceremony Hosted at XLRI Jamshedpur
The orientation session at XLRI began with welcome remarks by Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), and an introduction by Dr. Kalyan Bhaskar, Associate Professor (Strategic Management). The projects were officially unveiled by Mr. Varun Ranjan, IAS, Managing Director of JIIDCO and JIADA, who shared a strategic vision for strengthening Jharkhand’s industrial landscape.
Student-Driven Policy Innovation with Real-World Impact
A total of 30 student teams from XLRI will participate in these projects, either through an elective course on Public Policy or via live engagement through the Committee for Public Policy Research (CPPR). These hands-on experiences represent India’s first-of-its-kind policy lab model where business students directly shape and influence government policy, particularly in industrial development and investment facilitation.
Strategic Guidance from Invest India and EY
Teams from Invest India and EY, acting as knowledge and consulting partners, provided expert insights on project implementation, policy implications, and execution roadmaps. This blend of academia, consultancy, and government sets a new benchmark for collaborative governance and developmental planning.
Empowering the Next Generation of Policy Leaders
Students will receive structured mentoring, weekly check-ins, and progress tracking to ensure actionable outcomes. These projects will address key policy reforms needed to improve the ease of doing business, attract industrial investment, and enhance state capacity.
A Win-Win for Governance, Industry, and Academia
According to Mr. Varun Ranjan, “JIIDCO is proud to collaborate with XLRI in co-creating future-ready policy solutions with student involvement at the core.” Prof. Bhaskar added that the initiative offers rare and meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to state and national development through public policy design and research.
Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth
The initiative aligns with the State’s Vision 2030, focusing on inclusive growth, employment generation, and creating a robust policy framework to attract private and foreign investment. The outcomes of these projects will be shared with other state governments for knowledge sharing and replication.
A Model for Other States and Institutions
With support from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Jharkhand Industrial Policy Lab stands as a model of integrated policy innovation, and has the potential to inspire similar efforts in other states seeking to bridge the gap between governance and academic insight.
