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

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad will establish India’s first research chair in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in collaboration with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIF) – a Centre-run collaborative investment platform for Indian and foreign investors.

The ‘NIIF Chair in ESG at IIMA’ will work closely with the Arun Duggal ESG Centre for Research and Innovation at the B-school. It will function as the principal hub of knowledge and insights that allows businesses and policymakers to incorporate ESG principles in their long-term business and governance decisions.

Commenting on growing importance of ESG as a fundamental element for the industry, Errol D’Souza, director, IIM Ahmedabad, said, “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.”

The research chair for ESG, he added, will work towards structuring and crafting a strategic roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, and students. It will also fill the gaps in research and development in the area.

ESG criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that investors use to screen potential investments. These standards, not directly related to the finances of the company, help investors make environment-friendly and socially viable decisions.

Some of the activities of the NIIF chair in ESG at the B-school are as follows:

• Conducting research on crucial, globally relevant ESG issues

• Engaging with Industry to create long-term ESG oriented business strategies and practices

• Acting as a knowledge partner to government(s) in relation to policy formulation

• Engaging with international think tanks and agencies to create knowledge and experience sharing opportunities and platforms

According to NIIF, it is crucial for fund managers to create a sustainable and responsible investment community to unlock significant value for stakeholders as well as the broader society. The setting up of the NIIF chair in ESG at IIM Ahmedabad will help build an ecosystem of stakeholders and shape the future of adopting the best practices in ESG in the country.

Commenting on this association and its long-term implications in supporting a climate sensitive green economy, Sujoy Bose, managing director and chief executive officer, NIIF, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IIM Ahmedabad in the area of ESG, which is core to our investment and asset management activities and approach. As India marches towards its Net Zero goals, we believe that the next leaders of industry will rise from a sound foundation of adopting best-in-class ESG practices.”