Bharti Institute Launches Book on Tech and Public Policy

New Delhi: Bharti Institute of Public Policy launched its second book Technology, Policy, and Inclusion: An Intersection of Ideas for Public Policy under the ISB-Routledge public policy book series, “Innovations, Practice and Future of Public Policy in India.”

The book explores how public policy and technology intersect in India, highlighting strategies for inclusive governance and development through technological innovations.

The book was launched yesterday by eminent members of the Advisory Council of the Bharti Institute including Vinod Kumar Duggal, IAS (Retd.) and former Governor of Manipur; Nanda Kumar T, IAS (Retd.) and former Secretary to Govt. of India; and R.P Singh, IAS (Retd.), former Chairman, National Highways Authority of India and member of Board Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., Bharti Infratel, and Lodha Developers.

Dr Aarushi Jain, Policy Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, and one of the editors of the book, set the context for the book series and the new title being released.

Addressing the gathering comprising the cohort of 2023-2024 of the Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP) and alumni of the Institute, she said, “This book marks a pivotal milestone in the discourse on how technological advancements can be harnessed to promote inclusive and equitable policies. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the critical intersections between technology and public policy, offering valuable insights and practical frameworks for policymakers, practitioners and researchers alike. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, this work will undoubtedly serve as an essential resource for ensuring that innovation benefits all members of society, leaving no one behind."

Laying emphasis on the importance of the topic of the book, Prof. Anjal Prakash, Research Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, and one of the editors of the book, said, “The book is significant for those dedicated to crafting informed and equitable public policies. This book rigorously examines the dynamic relationship between technological innovation and societal inclusion, offering an array of perspectives and solutions that are both timely and impactful.

Speaking at the launch, Amarjeet Sinha, IAS (Retd.) and a visiting faculty at the Indian School of Business, who authored the first book, “The Last Mile: Turning Public Policy Upside Down”, in the series, said, “This publication is an indispensable tool for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to ensuring that technology serves as a force for good in creating a more inclusive society.”

Dr Puran Singh, Associate Professor, Finance at the School of Management, IIT (Mandi), Himachal Pradesh, and one of the editors of the book, highlighted that technology is a tool which can be used to solve problems at a large scale. “However, we need to be conscious of the fact that many people lack access to technology. Thus, there is a greater need to be mindful of the last mile connectivity”, he added.

Ankit Anand, an alumnus of the Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP), currently serving as Deputy General Manager, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, and one of the authors of the book emphasised the contributions of all the authors to research and policy, emphasising its relevance and utility in promoting inclusive public policies, via this book.

The book, published by Routledge Publishers, had a soft launch in the UK last year and is now available in India. The book series aims to bring together diverse perspectives of academics and practitioners in the field of public policy in the country and records innovative ideas and best practices to facilitate knowledge sharing.