IIM Tiruchirappalli hosts a Panel discussion inaugurating the second edition of the Global Economics Case Competition (GECC)
The Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli hosted a panel discussion on “Global Sustainable Networks and Circular Economy” on 19th January 2023. The panel consisted of Mr. Satyadeep Rajan, Founder – The Swiss Learning Exchange, and Mr. Vimal Mahendru, Vice President – The International Electrotechnical Commission and the Chair of the Standardisation Management Board. It was moderated by Prof. Ashok. A. Prasad, an educator and researcher in the sustainable development domain, and a visiting faculty at IIM Tiruchirappalli. The discussion was a part of an international case study competition, Global Economics Case Competition (GECC), conducted by ArthaNiti: Economics & Public Policy Club of IIM Tiruchirappalli, in association with the Swiss Learning Exchange. This year marks the second edition of the competition.
Prof. Ashok. A. Prasad began the panel discussion by welcoming the panelists and introducing them to the theme for the discussion and further invited them for their opening remarks on nuances of sustainability and Circular Economy and their perspectives on the transition towards it. Mr. Mahindru narrating his personal experience emphasized the need to work on a global level, following not just standards but also regulations and connecting people, the planet, and prosperity together. Mr. Rajan touched upon the ESG frameworks talking about the Environmental, Social, and Governance aspects of the business. He appreciated the efforts that B-schools are taking to shape and gain mastery in such issues by addressing the skill gap.
The panel discussion covered the long-term and short-term business concerns that must be addressed as the world moves toward a work culture focusing more on sustainability. The conversation focused on creative approaches to closing the gap in the adoption of a circular economy in business on a worldwide scale. Suggestions included aligning incentives such as the cost of capital or financial success of businesses to ESG accomplishments. Additionally, the panel noted that the need of the hour was to increase the focus on sustainability through education and awareness campaigns centered on circular economy and sustainability.
A questionnaire session from the attendees followed up the discussion. The GECC case was introduced towards the end of the program with a video. Prof. Ashok walked the audience through the case problem document. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by team ArthaNiti.