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“From Harvard to Home, Lessons for India’s Public Policy Institutions”.
The need for robust public policy institutions is inseparable from the journey of a nation toward good governance, socio-economic progress, and global influence. Around the world, institutions like the John F. Kennedy School of Government (Harvard Kennedy School) show how public policy schools can transform not only national governance but also global leadership. India, the world’s largest democracy, with its complex socio-political and economic landscape, has a glaring gap in producing such transformative institutions. Despite its intellectual wealth and democratic vibrancy, India has yet to establish a public policy school of global repute that integrates academic rigor with practical governance.
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is an iconic institution that embodies the synergy between academic research and policymaking. Founded to train leaders to address public challenges, it has become a hub for interdisciplinary scholarship and for seeking pragmatic solutions to real-world issues. The institution offers a range of programs—from graduate degrees in public administration to executive education—designed to equip policymakers, leaders, and administrators with the skills and knowledge to tackle complex global issues. One of the defining (and controversial) features of the Harvard Kennedy School is its emphasis on evidence-based policy and data-driven governance. Faculty members, often experts with extensive experience in government, academia, and international organisations, bring theoretical insights and practical perspectives to the classroom. This combination ensures that students are not only well-versed in policy frameworks but are also capable of designing solutions expected to be impactful and sustainable. The influence of the Harvard Kennedy School extends far beyond its academic programs. Alumni of the institution occupy pivotal roles in governments, international organizations, and civil society worldwide, shaping the trajectory of policies and governance at both national and global levels. By fostering a culture of critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, the school evinces the transformative power of a world-class public policy institution.
India faces governance challenges that require nuanced, data-backed, and inclusive solutions. The country’s policy ecosystem is shaped by the interplay of its federal structure with a vast and diverse population affected by extreme socio-economic inequalities. Despite a robust constitutional framework and active civic engagement, policymaking in India is often characterized by inefficiencies, lack of accountability, and delays in implementation. Unlike in many Western democracies, where public policy institutions are pivotal in influencing decisions, India’s policymaking process is largely centralised. The executive and bureaucratic apparatus dominate, with limited input from academics, civil society, and think tanks. This exclusionary structure stifles innovation and often results in policies that fail to address the needs of the most vulnerable. Additionally, the fragmented nature of India’s governance—across central, state, and local levels—exacerbates the challenges in policy formulation and implementation. India’s public policy schools, though increasing in number, lack the infrastructure, interdisciplinary approach, and global outreach necessary to compete with institutions like the Harvard Kennedy School. Resource constraints, weak links between academia and government, and an absence of platforms for stakeholder engagement aggravate these shortcomings. Establishing a first-rate public policy institution in India is not merely desirable—it is essential. Such an institution could act as a transformative force, addressing the critical gaps between governance, policy design, and implementation.
Firstly, a world-class public policy institution in India could serve as a bridge between research and practice. Integrating academic research with the practical challenges of governance would enable policymakers to adopt evidence-based approaches. This is particularly vital in a country like India, where developmental challenges such as poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability demand innovative and sustainable solutions. Secondly, such an institution would nurture a new generation of leaders equipped with the skills to manage and finetune India’s complex governance structure. With rigorous academic training and exposure to global best practices, these leaders could drive context-sensitive and innovative reforms. Moreover, a premier public policy institution would foster collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector. Creating platforms for dialogue and partnership would help remediate the fragmentation that often undermines policy implementation in India. Finally, setting up a globally recognized public policy school in India would enhance the country’s soft power. Just as institutions like the Harvard Kennedy School shape international governance by training leaders from around the world, an Indian institution of similar stature could position the country as a thought leader in public policy and governance and provide indigenous alternatives to the Western contemporary models whose glaring limitations are all too apparent.
To create a world-class public policy institution, India must address several systemic and structural challenges. This begins with investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and attracting top-tier faculty with expertise in interdisciplinary research and practical governance. Agreements with global institutions, such as Harvard and the London School of Economics, among others from all over the world, could facilitate knowledge exchange and ensure that the curriculum is aligned with international standards while being rooted in Indian values and realities.
Equally important is fostering an ecosystem that values pragmatic policymaking. Governments must create avenues for relevant academic institutions to engage with the policymaking process. This requires a cultural shift toward inclusivity and transparency, as well as the selective adoption of technology-driven solutions for monitoring and evaluation. Autonomy and accountability must go hand in hand for such an institution to thrive. While operational independence is crucial for fostering innovation and excellence, mechanisms for regular evaluation and public accountability would ensure that the institution remains aligned with its mission.
The Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) is a relatively new entrant in the public policy education space, aiming to train future leaders and policymakers. Some of its features are:
Focus on Indian Context ISPP offers programs designed for India’s socio-political and economic complexities. Industry Partnerships Collaborations with think tanks, NGOs, and corporations provide practical exposure to students. Cost-Effective, affordable programs make public policy education accessible to a larger section of society.
Limited Global Outreach, ISPP lacks a significant global presence or reputation. Resource Constraints, Funding for infrastructure, faculty, and research remains inadequate. Fragmented Ecosystem Limited collaboration with government bodies reduces the institution’s policy influence. ISPP graduates contribute to Indian think tanks and non-profits but lack the global reach of their Western and Far Eastern counterparts. The school’s impact is growing, but it remains modest compared to the leaders in the field.
Challenges in India’s Public Policy Sector Fragmented Policymaking Ecosystem
Indian public policy schools often operate in silos, with limited integration into government processes. Insufficient funding restricts access to global faculty, infrastructure, and research opportunities. Indian institutions lack partnerships with world-class public policy schools. Policymaking in India is heavily dominated by the bureaucratic machinery, leaving limited room for academic or civil society input. India’s socio-cultural and linguistic diversity makes the design of policies with universal applicability difficult.
Recommendations for Strengthening India’s Public Policy Sector.
The government must allocate significant resources to establish and support public policy schools with global aspirations. This includes funding for research, faculty, and infrastructure. Leveraging technology can enhance policy research, monitoring, and implementation. Data analytics and artificial intelligence should be integrated into public policy education. It is advisable to set up institutional mechanisms for academics to collaborate directly with policymakers, for example, by embedding policy researchers in government departments.
India stands at a critical juncture in its developmental journey, where the need for innovative, inclusive, and evidence-based public policies has never been greater. By establishing a world-class public policy institution, India can not only address its governance challenges but also emerge as a leader in shaping global policy discourse. It is time for India to invest in its intellectual and governance capital to build an institution that reflects the aspirations and potential of the world’s largest democracy. By fostering global collaborations, increasing funding, and embedding policy education within governance structures, India can build institutions that improve and optimise domestic policies as well as contribute to the global discourse on governance and development.
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