Page 16 - Social Impact

CENTRE FOR SOFTWARE & INFORMATION to Freedom of Speech and Expression is the right to selectively
TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT (CSITM) express oneself. In modern times, this right is effectively pro-
tected by encryption, even for the common man. From being
Launched in 1998, the Centre for Software and Information used by defence forces and intelligence agencies for secure
Technology Management (CSITM) is IIMB’s Centre of Excel- communication and being controlled by export restrictions, en-
lence on digital technology management. For more than two cryption technologies have now gone mainstream and are used
decades, CSITM has been serving as a platform for co-creation by almost everyone for tasks ranging from instant messaging
of knowledge with the Indian software and IT industry. Led by to sending an e-mail. The roundtable examined the multiple
Prof. Shankhadeep Banerjee, Chairperson, Centre for Software and varied aspects of the debate between security and privacy
& Information Technology Management and faculty in the vis-à-vis encryption. The panel comprised eminent lawmak-
Information Systems area, it fosters close links with the bur- ers, bureaucrats, researchers, social activists, academics and
geoning IT sector in India, especially with the technology hub lawyers. The discussions were moderated by Prof. Anil B Suraj,
of Bangalore. CSITM has been conducting numerous events in Chairperson, Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and faculty
the form of seminars, panel discussions, conferences and work- in the Public Policy area, and Mishi Choudhary, Managing
shops. One of the primary focus areas has been conducting Partner, Mishi Choudhary & Associates LLP. The event would
panel discussions and roundtable workshops aimed at provid- help the stakeholders highlight the key points at the right forum
ing inputs to lawmakers and to discuss contemporary topics and guide lawmakers around the globe.
relating to technology and society.
Panel Discussion on ‘AI and Governance’
Webinar on ‘Contact Tracing Apps’ On 08 July 2021, CSITM and the Centre for Law and Policy Re-
On 03 June 2020, CSITM hosted a webinar on ‘Contact Tracing search (CLPR) jointly hosted a webinar titled: ‘A Conversation
apps’ as part of the workshop series titled: ‘Future of Tech’. In on Information Regulation, Artificial Intelligence, and Gover- NSRCEL program continues to catalyze aspiring women entrepreneurs to
this webinar, Prof. Rahul Dé, Dean - Programmes and faculty nance’ as part of its ‘Ethics in AI Talk Series’. reach their goals. The program focuses on the Government of
in the Information Systems area, interviewed legal experts on NSRCEL is the innovation and entrepreneurial centre at IIMB, India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’.
design, implementation, and effectiveness of the Aarogya Setu Prof. Rahul Dé, from the Information Systems area, presented which nurtures disruption and innovation.
app launched by the Indian Government that runs on Android the ‘AI and Ethics’ project. The research is related to ethical NSRCEL formalized a partnership with Indian Institute of Mil-
and Apple smartphones. It relies on Bluetooth and GPS for concerns arising from the use of AI. During the discussions, the NSRCEL has partnered with Capgemini in India to support let Research by which there will be 15% discount to lab access
tracing contacts and stores the users’ personal data and location capabilities of AI systems that appear different from traditional social impact start-ups. The partnership is unique as this is the for NSRCEL incubates along with access to Agronomists/SMEs
information of COVID positive individuals on a central server. information systems in terms of their ability to act autono- first time that NSRCEL has made a multi-year commitment to in the agri space. The shortlisted start-ups have been resolving
Researchers had raised multiple concerns on its security and mously, were analyzed. The discussions also focussed on how the start-ups to help them scale their operations and enhance challenges (across different programs in NSRCEL) in the five
data collection practices. The webinar was a discussion with AI systems’ capabilities are different from those of humans and their impact. The selected ventures will receive, from Capgem- Gram Panchayats adopted by IIMB.
legal experts on the societal concerns regarding the app. the lack of clarity on the similarities and differences between ini, an entrepreneurial grant and from NSRCEL, they will gain
the capabilities of humans, traditional information systems, and access to domain mentors and networks that will help them NSRCEL has launched, in virtual mode, a program for entre-
The event created awareness among the users and sensitized AI. Overall, the ethical concerns that arise from the perspec- scale. preneurs called ‘AIM Catalysts’, where early-stage start-ups,
students, lawmakers and professionals who are future contrib- tive of being human by framing an ‘ethics of personhood’ lens with sustainable ideas, will be welcomed for incubation. AIM
utors of similar applications on different dimensions, expecta- were discussed to encourage thoughts on the subject. Other NSRCEL and Buddha Fellowship Program (BFP) have collab- stands for NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission. NSRCEL
tions, shortfalls, and the improvement areas. The workshop was panellists included Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy of the CLPR, orated for a joint Rural Entrepreneurship Incubation Program. was among the first six incubation centres in the country to be
of immense value to researchers (PhD students and faculty) of Santhosh, Secretary to the Govt. of Tamil Nadu, and Emilie NSRCEL, whose work has impacted over 115600 entrepreneurs, supported by the Atal Innovation Mission.
IIMB and candidates who joined from other institutes. This was Pradichit, Manushya Foundation, Thailand. and the Buddha Fellowship Program incubated in Self Reliant
of particular relevance to doctoral students who are working on Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN), have joined hands NSRCEL has added Agri-tech and Health-tech to its portfolio
Risk and Healthcare (privacy / ethics). A video of the event with Webinar on ‘Adoption of Mobile Payment Technologies in to co-create and build an incubation program to develop the of incubation programs. For the latter, the centre ran an inno-
captions was widely disseminated. India’ rural entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Rural Entrepreneur- vation challenge with elite institutions (Rajiv Gandhi University
On 29 September 2021, CSITM hosted a webinar on ‘Why do ship Incubation Program aims to transform the development of Health Sciences, the nodal university for all medical colleges
Roundtable on ‘Internet Shutdowns’ people use mobile payment technologies and why would they sector in terms of scale with quality and impact by attracting in Karnataka, IISc, IIIT-B, Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre
On 11 November 2020, CSITM hosted a roundtable on ‘Inter- continue? An examination and implications from India’ as part and harnessing India’s best and brightest talent and create an or BBC) for ideas to address COVID-related medical issues.
net Shutdowns’ as part of the workshop series titled: ‘Technol- of the webinar series: ‘Top IS Publications from India’. ecosystem to nurture, support and provide opportunities for NSRCEL was the incubation partner along with BBC (which
ogy and Society’. This was to discuss the internet shutdowns these professionals to pursue their aspiration to become devel- will provide access to high-tech labs) for the winners of this
that have now become a common and frequent phenomenon During the first webinar, Prof. Abhipsa Pal, faculty at IIM opment entrepreneurs, and in turn build the future of India that challenge. The challenge was flagged off by the Prime Minister
around the world. Shutdowns have ranged from a few hours Kozhikode, presented her study published in the Research Policy is modern and inclusive for its less privileged and marginalized and is supported by the Karnataka government. The program
to few months. In this event, a panel comprising key research- journal on mobile payment technologies that analyzed the fac- communities. received applications representing various sectors of healthcare
ers, journalists, social activists, academics, and eminent legal tors impacting the usage and the uneven trajectory of citizens’ including Medical Devices, Tele Medicine, Wearable Devices
experts examined the multiple and varied aspects of shutdowns usage behavior in India. Mobile payment technology contin- In collaboration with Capgemini in India to support social and Outsourcing. This initiative will create a positive impact
and how they affected lives of ordinary people. The discussions ues to spread across the globe, but its diffusion has not been start-ups, NSRCEL aims to support not-for-profit tech enabled and catalyze growth, bound to impact millions of lives in India
were moderated by Prof. Neena Pandey, faculty member, IIM uniform. Its low usage in developing economies is of particular ventures solving social problems and impacting areas of Educa- and globally in the coming years.
Visakhapatnam. The event would help the stakeholders high- concern to policymakers since this technology has the potential tion, Employability and Environment. Early-stage ventures (not
light the key points at the right forum and guide the authorities to enable financial inclusion. In this study, Prof. Pal analyzed older than two years with a minimum of six months of ground- Many of the start-ups from NSRCEL have also responded
around the globe. factors impacting actual usage and future use intention. These work) were shortlisted for a three-month pre-incubation phase proactively to tackle the various challenges posed by the
findings have implications on critical issues like security, risk, of the program for capacity-building workshops and sessions by COVID-19 pandemic, using their current resources, technolo-
Roundtable on ‘Encryption Debate in India: The Road Ahead’ and digital literacy, and can help in the design of policy recom- sector-specific experts. gy and expertise.
On 21 January 2021, CSITM hosted a Roundtable on ‘Encryp- mendations for enhancing the use of mobile payments, thereby
tion Debate in India: The Road Ahead’ as part of the workshop impacting financial inclusion for all. NSRCEL’s women’s start-up program is one of India’s larg-
series titled: ‘Technology and Society’. Embedded in the Right est start-up program for women. First launched in 2016, the

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