Training on the Rules of the Game in India

Žan Dapčevič, Director of Academia, participated in the prestigious Global Rules of the Game (GRG) training for business and educational institution leadership between 9 and 16 March 2025, which took place in New Delhi, India. The training explored the challenges and opportunities created by emerging markets, with particular emphasis on the Indian economy and business environment.

Purpose and Objectives of the Training Programme

The Global Rules of the Game programme was designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the business environment in India and an analysis of how the Indian economy has developed in the context of state reforms, innovation and relations between the state and the economy. India, as the world's largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing global economies, represents a complex business market where opportunities for growth intertwine with numerous challenges such as unstable policies, inequalities and incomplete infrastructure.

During the programme, participants analysed the following key themes:

• development of political economy in India,
• impact of liberalisation and reforms on the economy,
• innovation in the context of institutional voids,
• challenges of inclusive development and the role of the state in the economic environment.

The programme was a combination of lectures, case study discussions and company visits, which enabled participants to connect theory with practice.

1. Democracy and Development

The first day of training was dedicated to understanding the historical foundations of Indian democracy and its impact on economic development. India, after gaining independence in 1947, maintained a stable democratic system despite challenges – poverty, low literacy rates and ethnic conflicts. Žan Dapčevič had the opportunity to analyse how the state transitioned from a model of state control (the so-called License Raj) to a period of economic liberalisation after 1991.

Discussions focused on:

• reasons for the stability of Indian democracy,
• effects of colonial history and social structures,
• impact of reforms on economic growth and development.

Guest speaker Bipin Aspatwar, Head of Risk at McKinsey & Company for India, provided insight into the legal framework and risks faced by companies in India.

2. Economy and Relations Between the State and Businesses

The second day was dedicated to analysing India's economic model and changes in relations between the state and businesses following liberalisation in 1991. The Indian economy has recorded high growth rates (around 6% per year) in recent decades, but challenges such as corruption, inequalities and limited access to infrastructure remain present.

Žan participated in a discussion about the case of Tata Group, India's largest conglomerate, which successfully leveraged market liberalisation for expansion at home and abroad. He also visited the company VisionSpring in the city of Noida, which through social entrepreneurship enables access to corrective eyewear for low-income communities, thereby improving their economic productivity.

3. Institutions and Innovation

The third and fourth days were dedicated to discussing innovation in India despite the lack of strong institutions (so-called institutional voids). Professor Mangla presented the concept of "jugaad" – a flexible and creative approach to innovation in imperfect institutional environments.

Key highlights included:

• development of India Stack – public digital infrastructure for financial transactions,
• rise of technology companies and the government's role in digital transformation,
• opportunities for growth in the pharmaceutical industry and digital business.

Žan visited L'Opéra, a successful chain of French patisseries in India, where he learned how a company with a thoughtful business model can overcome cultural and market barriers.

4. State Capacity and Inclusive Development

The final day of the programme was devoted to the challenges of inclusive development in India. The Indian state, despite rapid economic growth, still lags behind in providing public services such as healthcare and education.

The discussion included analysis of the following areas:

• challenges in implementing public policies,
• role of the private sector in addressing social challenges,
• comparison of state and private initiatives for development.

Professor Mangla from the University of Oxford highlighted that the key question for India's future is connected with balancing economic growth and social justice.

Looking to the Future

With the knowledge gained and insights into the Indian market, Academia's leadership will be able to formulate effective strategies for the growth and internationalisation of Academia. Emphasis on innovation, adaptability and inclusive development will be crucial for success in rapidly growing markets where the "rules of the game" are often not entirely clear.

Training on the Rules of the Game in India

Training on the Rules of the Game in India

Training on the Rules of the Game in India

Source: Academia (16. 3. 2025). Fotografije: arhiv Academie.

This English summary was produced automatically from the Slovenian article and is pending editorial review. Slovenska različica