Symposium on Evidence of Economic Development SEED 2025 IIMB – Policy Innovation & Insights

Explore key takeaways from the Symposium on Evidence of Economic Development SEED 2025 IIMB, featuring global economists, research on gender, infrastructure, public services, and inclusive growth.

India’s Academic Sphere Shifts Focus at the Symposium on Evidence of Economic Development SEED 2025 IIMB

As India emerges as a vibrant policy laboratory, the Symposium on Evidence of Economic Development SEED 2025 IIMB positioned itself as a beacon of data-driven insights, bridging the gap between academic research and actionable policy reform. Held from June 28 to June 29, this two-day symposium was hosted by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) and centered around one mission: leveraging empirical research to address real-world challenges of economic development.

A Groundbreaking Platform for Public Policy and Economic Reform

More than just a knowledge-sharing event, SEED 2025 united renowned economists, public policy researchers, and development practitioners to tackle pressing issues, such as:

• Infrastructure challenges in underserved communities
• Gender-based economic disparities
• Barriers to financial access in rural areas
• Intimate partner violence and its economic implications
• Technological infrastructure for public service delivery

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Key Themes that Defined SEED 2025

The Symposium on Evidence of Economic Development SEED 2025 IIMB emphasized themes vital for India’s inclusive growth:

Infrastructure Technology and Identity Access

Presenters at SEED explored how digital identity systems and technology-driven infrastructure impact delivery of public services in regions with limited access. Scholars examined case studies from India’s Aadhaar and public distribution systems to underline how technology can create transparency and reduce leakages.

Gender and Economic Participation

One of the most discussed sessions was led by Prof. Manini Ojha, whose analysis of NFHS-5 data highlighted the links between intimate partner violence (IPV) and economic participation among women. Her work offered sobering insights on how structural violence diminishes labor market outcomes for Indian women.

Behavioural Economics and Public Policy Design

Behavioural economics, as a cornerstone of this year’s SEED symposium, challenged traditional assumptions of rational choice. Prof. Ritwik Banerjee emphasized how nudges and incentives can be used effectively in policy design to increase savings, improve school attendance, and promote healthier consumption patterns.

Visionaries and Thought Leaders Spearheading the Discussion

The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. U. Dinesh Kumar, who underscored the urgent need for evidence-based public policy frameworks. He emphasized that India, as a lower-middle-income country, must integrate economic research with scalable development models.

Additional speakers included:

• Prof. Anindya Chakrabarti, IIM Ahmedabad – Discussed firm dynamics and job creation
• Dr. Pavel Chakraborty, Queen Mary University – Focused on credit market shocks
• Dr. Garima Rastogi, J-PAL South Asia – Spoke on field experiments for healthcare access

Their diverse areas of expertise converged on the importance of collaborative and cross-sectoral research to shape national and regional policies.

Empirical Research on Structural Barriers and Development Outcomes

A standout theme was how structural barriers—such as gender, caste, and regional disparities—limit economic participation. The sessions made it clear: while India’s GDP growth continues, equitable access remains elusive without data-driven reform.

Bullet-point insights from the discussions:

• 68% of women in rural India face credit access issues (Source: NFHS-5)
• 45% of PDS beneficiaries report authentication failure during digital verification
• 23% of MSMEs still lack formal registration due to identity/documentation issues

These statistics emphasized the relevance of policy levers such as digital infrastructure, conditional cash transfers, and targeted behavioral interventions.

India as a Living Lab for Development Economics

By focusing on real-world evidence, SEED 2025 reaffirmed India’s role as a fertile ground for public policy experimentation. Researchers highlighted how Indian states serve as controlled environments for:

• Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) on health and education
• Financial literacy programs among women SHGs
• Digital adoption among marginal farmers

As noted by Prof. Abhijit Banerjee, Nobel laureate in economics (not a speaker at this edition but referenced in panel discussions), “India offers both the complexity and scale required to test serious ideas.”

SEED 2025: Bridging Academia, Government & Civil Society

A hallmark of the symposium was its multi-stakeholder approach. Participation came not only from academic institutions but also from policy think tanks, non-profits, and state agencies. This ecosystem-wide dialogue ensures that findings do not remain confined to academic journals.

Implications for Students, Teachers, and Exam Aspirants

For students preparing for civil services, SSC, banking, and state-level exams, understanding events like SEED 2025 is essential. These symposia inform government reports, committee recommendations, and development blueprints. Explore our Current Affairs, Notes, and MCQ Section for updated resources.

Supporting Resources for Deeper Learning

Here’s how you can explore related content across our platform:

• NCERT Courses – Ideal for foundational concepts
• Free NCERT PDF Downloads
• Mind Maps for Revision
• Exam-Specific Videos
• Syllabus Insights

For Educators & Schools

If you’re an institution aiming to host similar knowledge-sharing events or launch educational websites, check out Mart India Infotech for development services tailored for academic needs.

10 FAQs About SEED 2025 and Economic Development Research

1. What is the Symposium on Evidence of Economic Development SEED 2025 IIMB about?
   It’s a platform to promote empirical economic research and its application in policy-making.
2. Who organized SEED 2025 IIMB?
   It was hosted by the Economics area of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
3. What were the main themes of SEED 2025?
   Topics included infrastructure, gender disparities, behavioral economics, and firm dynamics.
4. Which notable economists participated?
   Speakers included Prof. U. Dinesh Kumar, Prof. Ritwik Banerjee, Dr. Pavel Chakraborty, and more.
5. Why is SEED 2025 important for India’s policy design?
   It bridges the gap between academic research and real-world development needs.
6. How did SEED 2025 address gender issues?
   Through research on intimate partner violence and its impact on female labor participation.
7. What role does behavioral economics play in SEED 2025?
   It informs how psychological insights can optimize public policy outcomes.
8. How can students benefit from learning about SEED 2025?
   It enriches understanding of current affairs and policy frameworks crucial for competitive exams.
9. Where can I access related study material?
   Visit Edunovations Notes or MCQs for curated resources.
10. Can schools or colleges create similar symposium platforms?
    Yes, with tools from Mart India Infotech tailored for academic institutions.