Mahindra University Establishes Economic Policy Centre to Drive Research and Dialogue
Mahindra University officially launched its Economic Policy Centre on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward enhancing research and policy discussions on critical economic matters. The inauguration event, themed "Hyderabad: Powering India's GCC Ecosystem," drew attention to the city's expanding influence in the global capability centre (GCC) landscape.
Telangana IT Minister Emphasizes Hyderabad's Strategic Advantages
Telangana IT Minister D Sridhar Babu, speaking at the event, underscored Hyderabad's emergence as a premier destination for global capability centres. He attributed this success to the city's robust infrastructure, forward-thinking policy environment, and abundant talent pool. "Hyderabad has become an attractive hub for global capability centres, driven by its strong infrastructure, progressive policies, and deep talent reserves," Babu stated.
He further elaborated on the importance of sustained ecosystem development, noting that as international companies seek to establish resilient and future-ready operations, it is essential to bolster innovation, research, and industry partnerships. "Platforms like this Economic Policy Centre are vital in shaping ideas that will fuel the next phase of India's transformation," he added. Babu also highlighted Telangana's readiness to lead the digital transformation wave, stressing the need for closer collaboration between academic institutions and policymakers.
University Leadership Outlines Centre's Mission
Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor of Mahindra University, explained the centre's objectives, stating, "The Economic Policy Centre will facilitate meaningful conversations on issues pivotal to India's growth narrative, starting with Hyderabad's rise as a leading GCC hub." He emphasized the creation of an ecosystem where academic rigor aligns with practical application, ensuring that research directly contributes to the nation's socio-economic framework.
The event brought together policymakers, economists, and industry leaders to deliberate on the factors propelling Hyderabad's ascent as a GCC hub. Key discussion points included:
- Policy support and regulatory frameworks
- Infrastructure development and investment inflows
- Availability of skilled and talented professionals
Expert Insights on India's Global Role
Dr Nilanjan Banik, head of the Economic Policy Centre, remarked on the timing of the launch, noting, "The centre's establishment coincides with India's deepening involvement in global value chains and capability-led services." He announced that the inaugural event on GCCs would gather diverse perspectives to explore how policy, talent, and infrastructure can enhance India's competitive edge.
Development economist Dr Amir Ullah Khan called for intensified public-private collaboration, asserting, "The time is ripe for Indian private universities to take a leadership role and work closely with the government on research and training initiatives." This sentiment echoed the broader theme of the event, which focused on fostering synergies between academia, industry, and government to drive economic progress.
The launch of the Economic Policy Centre at Mahindra University represents a strategic move to bolster India's economic discourse, with a particular focus on leveraging Hyderabad's strengths in the global capability centre domain. By bridging research with real-world challenges, the centre aims to play a pivotal role in shaping policies that support sustainable growth and innovation.
