The creation of Centre for Diversity & Inclusion in IIM-J and across the IIM network in India is an attempt to build capacities of SC-ST entrepreneurs, empower and unleash their inherent talents, and also help tear down systemic barriers that confront them as they start and scale up their businesses.
It is unique, and a first- of- its -kind in India, as it seeks to combine the resources of institutes of higher learning, R&D labs, prestigious business schools, corporations, the investing community and the entire network of governmental departments focused on entrepreneurship.
The idea is to create and sustain a 'high -impact ecosystem' that can address, negate or demolish the surfeit of obstacles that impede business growth of SC-ST enterprises.
Academics at business schools are expected to be the prime movers as the first lot of Centre for Diversity & Inclusion are housed at IIMs. Academics come with their own networks and a bevy of domain expertise from business strategy, operational/organisational issues, regulatory compliance to supply chain resilience. Faculty expertise can be thus channelled meaningfully.
ESG/sustainability is also going to be a critical issue for SMEs to absorb and put into practice in the near future. The global focus on climate change, carbon emissions and related issues is leading to tightening of regulatory measures across the board.
Generic and subject-specific courses will be integral to the initiative. Training on soft skills have to be included as the lack of it inhibits or prevents SC-ST entrepreneurs from breaking into networks or corporations that seem intimidating. The role of Diversity Cells :
- Enabling interactions/engagements with subject matter experts/ advisors
- Identifying mentors and crafting mentorship programmes
- Providing access to financial institutions, venture capitalists and bankers
- Corporate tie-ups and helping diversify value/supply chains
- Engaging with government bodies like the SC-ST Hub
- Tie-ups with institutions of higher learning, engineering colleges, testing labs
- Linkages with NRDC, CSIR and similar networks for product identification/development and commercialisation