IIM Ahmedabad and NIIF to set up India's first research chair in ESG

The 'NIIF Chair in ESG' will work towards structuring and crafting a strategic roadmap for policy makers, practitioners, and students at IIM Ahmedabad to help plug in gaps in research and development in the area.

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, IIM (Ahmedabad), a premier global management institute, will establish the country's first research chair in ESG in collaboration with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIF), India's sovereign linked alternative asset manager.

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

Commenting on this decision and elaborating on the growing importance of ESG as a fundamental element for the industry, Professor Errol D'Souza, Director, IIM Ahmedabad said, "We are delighted to set up a Research Chair for ESG with NIIF. The industry is increasingly realising the importance of recognising and incorporating ESG in their operations."

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, noted, "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."

This collaboration complements NIIF's ability to influence and activate a large ecosystem of infrastructure investors and partners, growing companies of national importance and Indian fund managers, with IIMA's strong alumni network, rigorous academic approach and research capabilities.

"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. Strengthened by our partnership with IIMA, we hope to lead the conversation and actions around climate preservation and sustainable development," Sujoy Bose added.