IMI Kolkata Hosts ISDSI Global Conference: A Hub for Business Leaders and Scholars

IMI Kolkata recently held the 19th ISDSI Global Conference from December 26 to 29, uniting directors from prominent Indian business schools, global scholars, policymakers, investors, and startup founders. The event focused on the evolving role of management education in a technology-driven and sustainability-oriented economy.

With participation from 26 countries, the four-day conference showcased 1,218 research papers and 220 innovative business ideas, representing all 21 IIMs and leading IITs and universities. This impressive turnout solidified ISDSI's status as one of the largest global platforms for management research in India.

Prominent academic leaders from institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, and SPJIMR engaged in plenary sessions and panel discussions. International contributions included insights from scholars in the US and New Zealand, as well as representatives from key accreditation bodies like EFMD and AACSB.

The conference commenced with an address by Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIM Ahmedabad, who emphasized the importance of technology in achieving sustainability goals. He urged that India should leverage digital innovation to create a broader societal impact aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Two key panels drove the academic dialogue. One focused on the implications of technology and digitalization on MBA education, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing judgment, adaptability, and long-term career resilience amidst AI advancements. The second panel discussed how business schools can contribute to India's net-zero transition, advocating for the integration of sustainability into curriculum, research, and industry engagement.

Additionally, a separate panel explored the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in contemporary leadership and decision-making. The conference also marked the launch of IMI Kolkata’s Global Investment Summit, where 57 startups presented to investors, resulting in nine ventures securing investment commitments totaling ₹5.1 crore.

In closing, Prof. Mohua Banerjee, Director of IMI Kolkata, noted the conference strengthened collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. Prof. Bhimaraya Metri, President of ISDSI-Global, hailed the 2025 edition as a significant milestone in advancing global management research.