The Oxford India Forum (OIF) is a dynamic platform that unites leading minds from academia, business, policy, and thought leadership to share their insights on India's potential.
Aspiring to become the largest platform of its kind at any university in Europe, OIF aims to spotlight India's advancements and innovations by bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and students.
In an interview with Asian Voice, the founder of OIF shares his vision and mission for the organisation.
What inspired you to create the Oxford-India Forum? Can you share more about the primary objectives of the forum?
The Oxford-India Forum is a dynamic platform uniting leading figures in academia, business, policy, and thought leadership to explore India's vast potential and showcase its advancements. Recognising India's significant global role, the forum aims to deepen understanding of the country's unique opportunities and challenges, aspiring to become the largest initiative of its kind at a European university. The platform seeks to drive collaboration in technology, research, and innovation between the University of Oxford and Indian-led businesses worldwide, filling a gap in the UK similar to successful models in the United States. In the coming years, the forum plans to expand its reach, build a strong community, and create a knowledge hub that drives innovation. By staying true to its mission and adapting to evolving needs, the Oxford-India Forum aims to play a crucial role in shaping India's engagement with the global community.
How do you see the Oxford-India Forum contributing to the broader discourse on India’s advancements and innovations?
The Oxford-India Forum is poised to make a substantial impact on the global conversation around India’s advancements, particularly by concentrating on critical areas that are essential for both India's growth and global progress. The forum's focus includes showcasing India’s net-zero development model, fostering collaborative research, and promoting thought leadership.
Additionally, key areas of potential collaboration with the University of Oxford include healthcare, with a strong emphasis on drug discovery, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, cloud computing, climate transition technology, and sustainable food systems and agriculture. These partnerships aim to drive innovation and contribute to both India's development and global solutions.
What kind of partnerships are you looking to establish through the forum, particularly with Indian businesses and global leaders?
We aim to establish strategic partnerships that drive innovation and deliver impactful outcomes, bringing together diverse stakeholders to collaborate on projects that benefit both India and the global community. Our focus is on partnering with research institutions and think tanks, both in India and globally, to engage in joint research projects, academic exchanges, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
We seek collaborations with industry leaders in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and agriculture, aiming to develop new products, services, and technologies with real-world impact. Partnering with government bodies and policy think tanks is crucial for influencing policy and driving systemic change. By working with organisations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), we connect with a broad network of businesses and industry leaders.
We are also proud of our established partnerships with prestigious organisations, including: India Today: A leading media organisation, United Services Institution of India; A think tank of the Ministry of Defence, The Rhodes Trust and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
How does the Oxford-India Forum intend to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world business practices?
By harnessing the expertise of students, faculty, and business leaders, OIF aims to create impactful solutions for pressing challenges.
OIF will lead collaborative research projects that unite scholars from the University of Oxford with industry experts from India. The forum will also host workshops, seminars, and conferences that bring together academics, business leaders, policymakers, and students. Additionally, it will facilitate internships and exchange programs, offering students hands-on experience with Indian businesses.
Advisory panels and think tanks, consisting of academics, industry leaders, and policymakers, will provide strategic guidance, identify emerging trends, and recommend research directions. The advisory board currently includes eight senior professors, including the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dean, and experts across diverse fields such as healthcare, material science, artificial intelligence, literature, physics, statistics, sustainability, and Indian history.
Through these initiatives, the Oxford-India Forum is dedicated to making a lasting impact on India’s development and its role in the global community.
