Odia Entrepreneur Arun Kar Champions Trust-Driven Innovation at Davos World Economic Forum
UK-based Odia entrepreneur and former Indian Army Captain Arun Kar recently addressed a significant session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. In an exclusive conversation with Arunika Mohapatra, Kar shared profound insights from his participation, highlighting a crucial shift in global innovation paradigms.
Redefining Innovation: From Speed to Trust and Problem-Solving
Kar emphasized the urgent need to move away from speed-driven innovation toward a more sustainable model centered on problem-solving and trust. "Innovation is not merely about how quickly products are launched into the market," he stated. "It is fundamentally about how responsibly solutions are deployed at scale." He argued that technology only creates genuine value when it addresses real-world problems, earns public trust, and delivers long-term impact across diverse markets and institutions.
Three Pillars of Responsible Innovation
During his session, Kar highlighted three critical aspects essential for modern innovation:
- Problem-First Approach: Innovation must always begin with identifying and solving actual real-world challenges rather than pursuing technology for its own sake.
- Responsible Deployment: Sustainable scaling requires innovation built with governance, transparency, privacy, and security integrated from the design phase.
- Collaborative Ecosystems: Long-term value creation demands alignment between entrepreneurs, policymakers, and broader ecosystems, moving beyond isolated efforts.
Spotlight on Odisha: A Hub of Resilience and Untapped Talent
Kar proudly spoke about his roots in Odisha, describing the region as emblematic of resilience, discipline, and immense untapped potential. "Regions like Odisha represent grounded growth that is increasingly relevant in today's global innovation discourse," he noted. He emphasized that with appropriate platforms, policy support, and institution-led thinking, such areas can contribute significantly to worldwide innovation efforts.
High-Quality Dialogues and Key Takeaways from Davos
Reflecting on the session, Kar described it as a high-quality interaction with global media, characterized by focused, thoughtful, and forward-looking discussions. "What stood out was the clear shift away from hype toward conversations around trust, responsibility, and long-term value creation," he observed. The questions posed reflected a genuine interest in scaling innovation responsibly.
One of Kar's key insights was the shared realization that trust has become the most critical currency in the innovation economy. He noted a strong consensus that without trust from citizens, customers, and institutions, even the most advanced technologies cannot achieve sustainable scale.
Engagements with Indian Dignitaries at the India Pavilion Launch
Kar also interacted with several prominent Indian dignitaries during the launch of the India Pavilion on January 20. He met with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu, and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi.
These discussions were forward-looking, focusing on India's growth trajectory, sustainability initiatives, and the role of technology in institution-building. The pavilion launch itself underscored India's growing confidence and leadership in global conversations surrounding innovation, sustainability, and economic development.
Arun Kar's participation at Davos not only highlighted his personal journey from Odisha to the global stage but also reinforced the importance of ethical, trust-based innovation in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
