Senior Fellow - Digital Economy, Startups and Innovation (DESI) Team

The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) invites applications for the position of Senior Fellow in its Digital Economy, Startups and Innovation (DESI) team. The ideal candidate will bring a strong academic and policy background in areas such as digital transformation, technology policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. About ICRIER ICRIER is one of India's premier economic policy think tanks, committed to its mission of "linking India with the world." Established in 1981 to offer policy guidance in navigating external economic shocks, ICRIER has evolved into an independent development institution and a thought leader in inter-disciplinary research. The organization is widely recognized for providing rigorous, evidence-based, and policy-relevant insights aimed at advancing inclusive and sustainable development. ICRIER actively collaborates with governments (at both national and state levels), the private sector, multilateral organizations, and philanthropic foundations, serving as a crucial bridge between academic research and policy action. About DESI The work program of the DESI team at ICRIER sits at the intersection of digitalisation and development. It focuses on studying the economic impact of new technologies, benefits and risks associated with digital public infrastructure, startup ecosystems, data governance, and innovation policy. The programme engages with diverse stakeholders to provide policy-relevant research and practical insights into India's evolving digital economy. The DESI team members also contribute extensively to the work program of ICRIER-Prosus Centre for Digital Economy (IPCIDE) and ICRIER and Vodafone Idea Centre for Telecom (InViCT). The Position The Senior Fellow will lead research and policy engagement in DESI's focus areas. This role demands intellectual leadership, project management capabilities, and active participation in national and international policy discourse. Key Responsibilities: Lead original and high-quality research on digital economy topics such as development impact of technologies, digital public infrastructure, tech startups, data governance, and innovation policy including the preparation of the State of India's Digital Economy (SIDE) report. Conceptualize and oversee research studies, working papers, policy briefs, and stakeholder engagements under the DESI work program. Build partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, industry bodies, and international organizations. Supervise and mentor junior researchers and research associates within the DESI team. Organize policy dialogues, roundtables, and conferences to disseminate research and generate impact. Represent ICRIER in national and international forums related to digital policy and innovation. Contribute to institutional development through fundraising, strategic planning, and thought leadership.

ICRIER is one of India's premier economic policy think tanks, committed to its mission of "linking India with the world." Established in 1981 to offer policy guidance in navigating external economic shocks, ICRIER has evolved into an independent development institution and a thought leader in inter-disciplinary research. The organization is widely recognized for providing rigorous, evidence-based, and policy-relevant insights aimed at advancing inclusive and sustainable development. ICRIER actively collaborates with governments (at both national and state levels), the private sector, multilateral organizations, and philanthropic foundations, serving as a crucial bridge between academic research and policy action.