Team Lead-Digital Economy, Startups and Innovation (DESI)- Indias Premier Economic Policy Think Tanks (10-15 yrs)

Digital Economy, Startups and Innovation (DESI) Team, ICRIER

The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) invites applications for the position of Team Lead in its Digital Economy, Startups and Innovation (DESI) team. The appointment will be at the rank of Senior Fellow / Professor depending on qualifications and experience. The ideal candidate will combine a strong academic and economic policy background in areas such as digital transformation, technology policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with leadership skills and project experience. The candidate must have a broad-based research orientation and understand the complex interplay between economics, emerging technologies, markets, and society.

About ICRIER:

ICRIER is one of Indias 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. DESI team members 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 Team Lead will direct research and policy engagement in DESIs focus areas. The role demands intellectual leadership, building strategic networks and collaborations, raising funds and bidding for projects, project management capabilities, and active participation in the national and international policy discourse.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead original and high-quality research on topics such as the impact of AI on productivity, labour markets, inclusion and comparative advantage; the measurement and analysis of Indias digital economy; the potential of the platform economy; and the evolving role of Indias digital public infrastructure (DPI).

- Lead, mentor, and further strengthen a high-performing team of researchers.

- 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.

- 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.

Preferred Skills:

- Ability to develop and execute an academically rigorous and policy-relevant research agenda.

- Strong track record of projects with the government and other partners such as foundations, corporates and multilateral institutions.

- Grant writing and fundraising experience for research projects.

- Expertise in emerging areas such as AI policy, platform regulation, fintech, digital public goods, or gig economy.

- Experience in designing and conducting primary surveys or using big data for policy research.

- Strong people management skills, with experience in building, mentoring, managing, and leading high-performing research teams.

Qualifications:

- PhD in Economics, Public Policy, Technology, or related fields from a reputed institution or equivalent experience (PhD is desirable but not required).

- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in research and/or policy engagement.

- Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to lead research teams.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Location:

The incumbent will be based in Delhi.

Remuneration:

Commensurate with experience and qualifications. ICRIER offers a competitive package plus retirement benefits, medical insurance, and opportunities for professional development.