S. Vishnu Sharma
IIM Lucknow concluded the 4th edition of its Annual International Research Conference (AIRC) and Doctoral Workshop.
The event was conducted from 29 January to 1 February 2025. It brought together scholars, industry experts, and thought leaders from around the world.
They were brought together with an intention to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its ethical implications, and its growing role in shaping industries and societies globally.
Theme
The conference, themed ‘Managing and Working with Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the World Together’, attracted researchers from various countries, including Australia, United States of America, and England, alongside participants from across India, say sources from IIM Lucknow.
The event saw the attendance of more than 110 academics, making it a vibrant platform for exchange and collaboration, say sources from IIM Lucknow.
Inauguration
The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Archana Shukla, Director, IIM Lucknow, along with Prof. Ajay Garg, Dean Faculty, and Prof. Pradeep Kumar, Faculty, IIM Lucknow, and Convenor of AIRC 2025.
Distinguished keynote speakers, including Prof. Giri Kumar Tayi, School of Business, State University of New York, USA, and Prof. Simy Joy, University of East Anglia, delivered insightful addresses, setting the tone for the conference’s sessions.
Director of IIM Lucknow
Prof. Archana Shukla emphasised the importance of purposeful research and methodological rigor, advocating for a shift from quantity to quality in academic contributions.
She highlighted that research should focus on creating a tangible impact on policies, industries, and society at large.
Keynote address
Prof. Giri Kumar Tayi, in his keynote address, discussed AI’s transformative role in reshaping industries, governance, and research methodologies.
He introduced the I² principle—Interest and Impact—as the foundation of meaningful research, underscoring how AI can serve as a driving force for competitive advantage, ethical governance, and sustainable growth.
Engaging story
Prof. Simy Joy emphasised that authors should present their study as an engaging story that is easily understood, showcasing their own demonstration of the findings.
She highlighted that language and approach are rarely reasons for rejection; the key lies in articulating arguments clearly and using the right methodology.
AI
As AI continues to redefine possibilities across sectors, AIRC 2025 acted as a catalyst for productive discussions and collaborations, promoting responsible and innovative AI integration, say sources from IIM Lucknow.
The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for researchers and industry professionals to engage, share ideas, and chart new paths for the future of AI in academia and industry.
Expertise
Throughout the 3-day event, distinguished national and international speakers moderated a series of insightful sessions.
Prof. Alok Gupta from Carlson School of Management, Prof. Konstantinos V. Katsikopoulos from University of Southampton, and Prof. Elizabeth L. Rose from IIM Udaipur shared their expertise on topics such as ‘Future of Organising Work: The Borg’s Paradox and Preserving Human-AI Complementarity’ and ‘Classification in the Wild: The Science and Art of Transparent Decision Making.’
Key highlight
A key highlight of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion on Mindfulness and Happiness, emphasising the role of well-being in academic and professional excellence, say sources from IIM Lucknow.
Workshop
The pre-conference Doctoral Workshop, held on 29th January 2025, was led by Dr. Ankita Mishra from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia.
This workshop provided participants with valuable insights into publishing in top-tier journals, covering topics such as selecting the right journal, structuring research papers, navigating the review process, and enhancing the impact of their work within the academic community, say sources from IIM Lucknow.
Platform
Prof. Pradeep Kumar, Convenor, AIRC 2025 said this conference provides an invaluable platform to explore both the challenges and opportunities AI presents.
With multiple invited keynote addresses and parallel tracks spanning various domains, AIRC 2025 fosters meaningful exchanges and collaborations that will shape the future of AI in academia and industry, he said.
Humans and AI
The conference explored the evolving relationship between humans and AI, focusing on how we can effectively manage, collaborate with, and shape AI to drive innovation, ethical advancements, and societal progress, say sources from IIM Lucknow.
Collaborative support
Participants from around the globe had the opportunity to present and discuss their doctoral work with senior academicians and receive collaborative support for further publication.
This year, more than 120 research papers were submitted to the conference, leading to a rich exchange of ideas and discussions.
This process was designed to help participants identify interesting and pertinent research problems in the field.
Global interest
With a growing global interest in management and policy, IIM Lucknow continues to host this annual conclave to contribute to a deeper understanding of effective corporate operations and societal well-being, both of which are crucial for broader economic growth.
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