To strengthen public policy research in India, Ashoka University has launched the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP), an initiative aimed at fostering evidence-based research and intervention in policymaking. As per Indian Express reports, the centre, funded by a generous grant from the Ajit Isaac Foundation, established by Ajit Isaac, Chairman of Quess Corp Ltd., and his wife, Sarah Isaac, will focus on addressing critical policy challenges through interdisciplinary research.
The ICPP is set to become a hub for research on pressing issues such as economic development, labor and employment, healthcare, gender equality, and fiscal policy. With a mission to drive innovative policy solutions, the centre will collaborate with stakeholders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors to bridge research gaps and inform policy implementation across various fields.
The centre's initial research efforts will focus on vital areas including agriculture, rural economy, employment, labor regulations, and public finance. By leveraging Ashoka University's strengths in economics, social development, and data science, the ICPP aims to provide practical, research-backed interventions that can contribute to India's socio-economic growth.
In addition to research, the ICPP will offer academic programs in public policy at undergraduate, graduate, and executive levels. These programs will be designed to equip professionals from diverse sectors with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex policy challenges. This comprehensive approach will foster a research ecosystem where experts and policymakers can collaborate to create scalable solutions for national development.
University officials believe that the Isaac Centre will play a pivotal role in shaping public policy discourse and influencing decision-making processes. By integrating research with policy execution, the ICPP is expected to have a long-lasting impact on India's policy landscape, providing insights that can drive effective governance and socio-economic progress.
The establishment of the ICPP marks a critical step forward in Ashoka University's ongoing efforts to advance research-based policy interventions, and it is poised to contribute significantly to India’s development in the coming years.