National & Regional Exchanges

Throughout my academic journey, I have actively participated in knowledge exchange through invited lectures, memorial lectures, and presentations at various national and regional forums. These engagements span diverse topics in economics, research methodology, and policy analysis, reflecting my commitment to academic discourse at different levels.

1. Construction of Composite Index for Social Sciences Research

Event: 54th Refresher Course in Economics
Organized by: Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC), Jawaharlal Nehru University
Location: Online Mode
Date: September 27, 2021

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Overview: The lecture provided a comprehensive methodology for constructing composite indices in social science research, focusing on their importance in analyzing multidimensional social phenomena and their role in policy-making.

Key Contributions:

• Explained the rationale and context for composite indices in social sciences:
  • Need to capture complex, multidimensional phenomena
  • Growing recognition that single indicators are insufficient
  • Significant increase in use since 1991 (over 130 indices by 2005)
• Outlined detailed methodology for constructing composite indices:
  1. Theoretical Framework Development
  2. Identification of Indicators
  3. Data Collection
  4. Scale Bias Elimination Methods:
     • Ranking
     • Standardization
     • Division by Standard Deviation
     • Division by Mean
     • Range Equalization
  5. Weight Assignment:
     • Subjective Weights
     • Equal Weights
     • Objective Weights (PCA)
• Provided practical demonstration through empirical case study:
  • Infrastructure index for Indian states using multiple indicators
  • Detailed example using telecommunications, transportation, banking, and power sectors
  • Demonstrated application of both ranking and PCA methods

Key Implications:

• Composite indices help summarize complex social issues
• Facilitate evidence-based policy targeting
• Need careful consideration of methodology to avoid misleading conclusions
• Important tool for comparing social/economic units across space and time

The lecture was significant for providing practical guidance on constructing robust composite indices while highlighting both their benefits and limitations for social science research and policy-making.

2. Drivers of SME Formation in Indian States: The Empirics

Event: 8th Prof K. M. Pattnaik Memorial Lecture
Organized by: Orissa Economics Association
Location: Online Mode
Date: May 10, 2021

Overview: The lecture presented a comprehensive empirical analysis of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) formation patterns across Indian states from 1980-2007, examining regional variations and their determinants through panel data analysis.

Key Contributions:

• Documented the evolution of SME formation in India:
  • Growth from 97,665 new SMEs (1980-84) to 423,414 (2000-04)
  • Entry rates increased from 49 per million labor force to 141 during the same period
  • Sharp decline in both numbers (161,052) and entry rates (82) during 2005-07
• Revealed significant regional concentration:
  • Three regions (South, West, North India) accounted for over 76% of new SMEs
  • Top 15 states contributed over 90% of all new SME formation
  • Leading states: Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala
• Identified key determinants of regional variations through panel analysis:
  • Positive factors: Market size, skilled workforce, transportation infrastructure, entrepreneurial culture
  • Negative factors: Per capita income growth, institutional credit access
  • Technology intensity in manufacturing showed positive correlation

Policy Implications:

• Focus on developing skilled labor force through higher education expansion
• Improve transportation infrastructure (roads and railways)
• Promote technology-intensive manufacturing activities
• Foster entrepreneurial culture at state level
• Address SME credit access issues by removing systemic biases
• Promote ICT adoption to enhance SME productivity

The study was significant for providing empirical evidence on regional determinants of SME formation and suggesting targeted policy interventions for promoting balanced regional industrial development in India.

3. Research Methodology Lectures at IGNTU

Event: ICSSR Ten Days Research Methodology Course for M.Phil./Ph.D./PDF Scholars in Social Sciences
Organized by: Indira Gandhi National Tribal University
Location: Amarkantak
Date: September 12-13, 2019

Lecture 1: Techniques of Analyzing Qualitative Data in Social Sciences Key topics covered:

• Understanding qualitative data fundamentals:
  • Types: categorical (nominal, ordinal, dichotomous)
  • Role in empirical research
  • Relationship with research questions
• Analytical tools and techniques:
  • Frequency and cross tabulations
  • Graphical approaches
  • Statistical tests (Chi-square, McNemar’s)
  • Logistic regression models
• Practical applications through:
  • Economic case studies (export behavior)
  • Educational research (language learning motivation)
  • SPSS software demonstrations

Lecture 2: Approaches to the Construction of Composite Indices in Social Sciences Key topics covered:

• Core methodology for index construction:
  • Theoretical framework development
  • Indicator identification and selection
  • Data collection and validation
• Technical approaches:
  • Scale bias elimination methods (standardization, ranking)
  • Weight assignment techniques (equal weights, PCA)
• Practical demonstration:
  • Infrastructure index case study
  • Application of ranking and PCA methods
  • Policy implications

These complementary lectures provided researchers with essential methodological tools: the first focusing on analyzing qualitative data through statistical approaches, and the second addressing the construction of composite indices for measuring complex social phenomena. Together, they offered both theoretical foundations and practical applications for conducting rigorous social science research.

4. Research Presentation at State Level Workshop

Event: State Level Research Workshop for Students
Organized by: Gujarat Law Society (GLS) University in collaboration with Indian Social Science Academy
Location: GLS Campus, Ahmedabad
Date: December 7, 2018

Presentation: Trends and Patterns of ICT Investment in Indian Organized Manufacturing

• Analysis of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) investments in India’s manufacturing sector
• Comparison between different categories of manufacturing firms
• Key finding:
  • Established firms showed higher ICT investment levels compared to newer enterprises
  • This suggests a possible correlation between firm age and ICT adoption intensity

The presentation contributed to the understanding the relationship between firm characteristics and ICT investment patterns in India’s organized manufacturing sector.

5. Conference Presentation on SME R&D

Event: Annual Conference of IASSI on Frontier Issues in Technologies, Development and Environment
Organized by: Indian Association of Social Science Institutions (IASSI)
Location: Madras School of Economics, Chennai
Date: March 19-21, 2010

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Presentation: R&D Strategy of Small and Medium Enterprises in India: Trends and Determinants Key findings covered:

• Background context:
  • Growing importance of technological capabilities for firm survival
  • Impact of economic liberalization and increased competition
  • Change from process to product patent system
• R&D characteristics of Indian SMEs:
  • Low R&D incidence (8.5% small firms, 16% medium firms vs 38% large firms)
  • Declining R&D intensity in 2000s compared to 1990s
  • Higher R&D intensity among SMEs with foreign investment
• Key determinants of SME R&D:
  • Firm-specific factors: age, size, export orientation, profitability
  • Industry factors: sector concentration, foreign competition
  • Policy factors: fiscal incentives, infrastructure support
• Policy recommendations:
  • Encourage international market participation
  • Promote industrial clusters
  • Improve access to finance and capital markets
  • Develop sector-specific support policies
  • Facilitate foreign investment and business group participation

The presentation highlighted concerns about declining R&D intensity among Indian SMEs and suggested policy interventions to enhance their technological capabilities through improved R&D performance.

6. Research Presentation at NIPFP-DEA Meeting

Event: 2nd Research Meeting of the NIPFP-DEA Program
Organized by: National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) & Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance
Location: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Date: March 28, 2008

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Presentation: Outward Investment from India: Developments and Implications Key findings covered:

• Historical Development:
  • Origins in 1960s with first investments by Birla and Shriram groups
  • Two distinct waves: pre-1991 (First Wave) and post-1991 (Second Wave)
  • Dramatic growth from $17 million in 1976 to over $16 billion by 2006
• Changing Patterns:
  • Geographic shift from developing to developed markets
  • Sectoral evolution from manufacturing dominance to diversified portfolio
  • Ownership transformation from minority joint ventures to controlling stakes
  • New forms of investment including brownfield acquisitions
• Key Transformations:
  • First Wave (Pre-1991):
    • Focus on developing markets
    • Manufacturing dominated
    • Market-seeking motivation
    • Limited ownership control
  • Second Wave (Post-1991):
    • Global market orientation
    • Sectoral diversification
    • Strategic asset-seeking
    • Greater ownership control

The presentation highlighted the evolution of India’s outward FDI from its modest beginnings to becoming a significant source of global investment, analyzing implications for economic development and policy considerations.

7. Lecture on Mergers and Competition Policy

Event: Personal Contact Programme
Organized by: Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Location: New Delhi
Date: August 14, 2007

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Presentation: Mergers and Competition Regime Key topics covered:

• Basic Competition Concepts:
  • Definition and components of market competition
  • Importance of relevant market identification
  • Fair business practices in competitive markets
  • Benefits of competitive markets
• Policy Evolution in India:
  • MRTP Act 1969 to Competition Act 2002
  • Shift from controlling monopolies to promoting competition
  • New focus on preventing anti-competitive practices
  • Regulation of combinations (mergers & acquisitions)
• M&A Analysis Framework:
  • Types: Horizontal, vertical, conglomerate
  • Motivations: Market-seeking, efficiency-seeking, strategic assets
  • Competition implications of different M&A types
  • Measurement tools like Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI)
• Current Policy Challenges:
  • High thresholds for M&A scrutiny
  • Cross-border competition issues
  • Jurisdictional overlaps between regulators
  • Need for better data and monitoring systems

The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of India’s competition policy framework with particular focus on merger regulations and their implementation challenges.

8. India’s Inward and Outward FDI

Event: Guest Lectures on India’s Inward and Outward FDI
Organized by: Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM-L)
Location: Lucknow, India
Date: August 6-7, 2007
Audience: Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) Students

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Overview: The presentation provided a comprehensive analysis of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Indian context, covering both inward and outward investment patterns, policy evolution, and economic impacts.

Key Topics Covered:

1. FDI Fundamentals:

• Distinction between FDI and portfolio investment
• Measurement and types of FDI (stock vs. flows)
• Various theoretical frameworks including Product Cycle Theory and Eclectic Approach

2. India’s OFDI Evolution:

• Two distinct policy phases: Restrictive (1978-1992) and Liberal (1992 onwards)
• Transformation from First Wave to Second Wave of OFDI
• Changing patterns in regional and sectoral distribution

3. Inward FDI Trends:

• Policy regime evolution from 1948 to present
• Analysis of approved versus actual FDI inflows
• Sectoral and source country composition
• Comparison of FDI versus portfolio investment

4. Economic Impacts:

• Direct contributions to Indian economy
• Spillover effects and technology transfer
• R&D implications
• Export performance analysis

Key Findings:

• Significant shift in FDI patterns post-1991 liberalization
• Growing importance of manufacturing sector in FDI
• Increasing role of brownfield investments (M&As)
• Notable geographic diversification in Indian OFDI
• Mixed evidence on productivity spillovers

The presentation provided a thorough academic foundation for understanding the complex dynamics of FDI in India’s economic development context, supported by extensive empirical data and research findings.

9. Government Policy, Growth, and Internationalization

Event: Invited Lecture on Government Policy, Growth, and Internationalization: The Case of Indian Pharmaceutical Industry
Organized by: Centre of Studies in Science Policy (CSSP), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Location: New Delhi, India
Date: February 14, 2007

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Overview: The presentation analyzed the evolution of India’s pharmaceutical industry from its nascent stage in the 1940s-50s to becoming a global competitor, examining the role of government policy in growth and internationalization strategies.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Historical Evolution (Four Stages):

• Stage I (1947-1969): MNC domination, minimal exports
• Stage II (1970-1989): Liberal patent regime emergence
• Stage III (1990-1999): Domestic firms’ dominance
• Stage IV (2000-onwards): Accelerated internationalization

2. Internationalization Strategies:

• Comparison between Greenfield vs. Brownfield investments
• Analysis of competitive dimensions for both strategies
• Detailed examination of advantages and limitations

3. Case Study: Ranbaxy

• Analysis of three major acquisitions:
  • Ohm Laboratories (1995)
  • Basics GmbH (2000)
  • RPG Aventis (2003)
• Evaluation of performance and strategic benefits

4. Key Findings:

• Brownfield investments (acquisitions) proved more effective than greenfield investments
• Government policy played crucial role in industry development
• Successful internationalization required strategic policy support

Major Conclusions:

1. Government intervention was crucial for developing domestic pharmaceutical capabilities
2. Overseas acquisitions proved more effective than greenfield investments
3. Need for support framework for international acquisitions
4. Importance of maintaining acquisition databases for policy analysis
5. Recommendation for Indian firms to prioritize acquisitions over greenfield investments

The presentation provided comprehensive analysis of how government policy shaped the Indian pharmaceutical industry’s growth and internationalization strategies, supported by empirical evidence from major industry players.

10. Export-orientation of Foreign Manufacturing Affiliates in India: Factors, Tendencies and Implications

Event: Sixth Development Convention
Organized by: Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS)
Location: Chennai, India
Date: February 22-24, 2007

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Overview: The presentation analyzed the export performance of foreign manufacturing firms in India, examining factors influencing their export behavior and implications for the Indian economy.

Key Findings:

1. Export Performance Trends:

• Foreign firms showed increasing export volumes and intensities
• Share in total manufactured exports declined over time
• High industrial concentration with 4 industries accounting for >60% of exports
• Export intensity varied significantly across industries

2. Key Determinants of Export Orientation:

• Domestic market size: Negative impact
• Domestic competition: Led to greater domestic market focus
• Domestic firms’ export activities: Positive spillover effect
• Import competition: Pushed firms to seek external markets
• Policy regime: Liberal policies improved export orientation
• R&D and advertising intensity: Negative correlation

3. Empirical Analysis:

• Used panel data analysis covering 14 industries over 14 years
• Applied fixed effects and FGLS estimation methods
• Data sourced from CMIE’s Prowess database and India Trade database

4. Policy Implications:

• Liberal policy regime positively impacted export orientation
• Need to encourage market-seeking FDI to undertake exports
• Importance of domestic competition in shaping export behavior

The research provided important insights into how various factors influence foreign firms’ export decisions in India’s manufacturing sector, with implications for policy making and understanding FDI behavior in developing economies.

11. How Do Trade, Foreign Investment, and Technology Affect Employment Patterns in Organized Indian Manufacturing

Event: Policy Review Seminar – Globalisation and Informalisation: Consequences for Skill, Gender and Security
Organized by: India International Center
Location: New Delhi, India
Date: October 17, 2005

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Overview: The study analyzed how globalization factors affect employment patterns for vulnerable worker groups in India’s organized manufacturing sector, focusing on three key employment patterns: gender, contract labor, and skill level.

Key Research Findings:

1. Women Workers:

• High industrial concentration (70% in just 3 industries)
• Significant gender disparity (28 women per 100 men)
• Concentrated in low-technology industries
• Employment ratio improved from 13% to 28% (1996-2002)

2. Contract Workers:

• Less industrially concentrated than women workers
• Heavy concentration in tobacco industry (38.65%)
• 27 contract workers per 100 regular workers
• Ratio increased from 17.7% to 27.2% (1996-2002)

3. Unskilled Workers:

• Least industrially concentrated
• Higher employment than skilled workers (129:100 ratio)
• Declining opportunities (ratio fell from 157.4% to 129%)
• Concentrated in low-technology sectors

Impact Factors:

1. Trade:

• Positively affected women and unskilled workers
• Improved employment access for vulnerable groups

2. Technology:

• Automation negatively affected women workers
• Positive effect on contract workers
• Negative impact on unskilled workers through foreign technology imports

3. Foreign Investment:

• Negative impact on contract workers
• Negative effect on skill employment patterns
• Skill-biased technologies disadvantaged vulnerable groups

The research highlighted both opportunities and challenges created by globalization for vulnerable worker groups in India’s manufacturing sector, with implications for policy interventions.