IIM-R, CSHD Sign MoU to Boost Research in Rural Entrepreneurship

• IIM Raipur and CSHD sign MoU to collaborate on research, training, and outreach.
• Focus areas include governance, sustainability, rural entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
• The partnership supports policy research, community-driven projects, and national development goals.

The Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur) and the Centre for Studies on Holistic Development (CSHD), Raipur, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration aims to enhance collaboration in research, training, outreach, and academia.

The MoU was signed by Professor Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, and Satish Gokul Panda, Secretary of CSHD.

It also provides a framework for collaborative work in various areas, including development economics, governance, sustainability, and rural entrepreneurship. The partnership will also concentrate on interdisciplinary research, leadership development, and policy initiatives.

Important areas of this partnership consist of collaborative research initiatives, policy reports, and research papers. The organizations will additionally carry out field studies and regional case investigations.

Additional initiatives include training programs and leadership workshops for young people and administrators, along with mentorship for student-driven social impact projects and startups.

The collaboration will enable co-hosting of seminars, conferences, and policy discussions, expert involvement in shared programs, and contributions to the curriculum, along with granting access to academic and data resources for shared advantage.

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Professor Kakani stated that the collaboration with CSHD is an intentional move to link academic excellence with grassroots realities. 

He expressed that IIM Raipur believes management education should extend beyond the classrooms and make an impactful difference in society.

This partnership will enable them to jointly produce knowledge, cultivate socially aware leaders, and foster community-led transformation.  He stated that they are trying to create a development model which is community-grounded, evidence-based, and significant at a national level.

This partnership strengthens IIM Raipur's commitment to regional development, policy development, and academic excellence, with national and community priorities.