THEBUSINESSBTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 27, 2026
Birla Global University (BGU) hosted a two-day National Conference on the
theme “Technology, Finance & AI as Catalysts for Accelerating Economic
Growth,” bringing together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and
academicians to deliberate on the evolving digital foundations of India’s
economy. Organised by the Birla School of Economics in collaboration with the
School of Humanities, Social Sciences & Management, Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited
(NSE), the conference explored how artificial intelligence, FinTech innovations
and advanced digital ecosystems are transforming the country’s financial
architecture and shaping new pathways for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The conference aimed to examine how AI-driven technologies, FinTech
ecosystems and advanced data analytics can strengthen financial architecture,
enhance regulatory frameworks and drive inclusive economic growth, while
exploring real-world applications of artificial intelligence in capital
markets, regulatory oversight, financial inclusion and macroeconomic modelling.
Deliberations also reflected on the evolving policy landscape necessary to
ensure transparency, cybersecurity and systemic stability in a rapidly
digitising economy.
The event comprised an Inaugural Session, a high-level Panel Discussion
and multiple Technical Sessions featuring peer-reviewed research contributions,
with a key highlight being the panel titled “Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy: Powering
Growth through Technology, Finance & AI,” which focused on AI-enabled
regulation, innovation ecosystems and policy preparedness for a future-ready
digital economy.
The conference was graced by eminent dignitaries including Prof. Manoj
Panda, Full-Time Member, Sixteenth Finance Commission; Dr. Tirthankar Patnaik,
Chief Economist, NSE; M. Ramaiah, Adviser, Department of Economic and Policy
Research, Reserve Bank of India (RBI); and Jainendra Shandilya, Deputy General
Manager, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Senior academic leaders
including Dr. B. K. Das, Registrar, BGU, and Dr. Naresh Chandra Sahu from IIT
Bhubaneswar (convener), Prof. Mitali Chinara (Utkal University), Prof. Arun
Kumar Giri (BITS Pilani), Prof. Santosh Tarai (National Institute of Fashion
Technology, Bhubaneswar), Prof. Sarba Narayan Mishra (Odisha University of
Agriculture and Technology – OUAT) and Prof. P.K. Sanyal, Dean, School of
Commerce, BGU were also present. The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Ajit
Kumar Dash, Associate Professor of Economics, BGU.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Vice Chancellor,
Birla Global University, said, “At Birla Global University, we believe that the
convergence of technology, finance and artificial intelligence is redefining
the very foundations of economic development. Platforms like this National
Conference foster evidence-based dialogue and collaborative thinking among
policymakers, regulators and scholars. Through such initiatives, we aim to
promote research-driven insights, responsible innovation and institutional
partnerships that contribute to a resilient and future-ready financial
ecosystem.”
The conference witnessed an overwhelming academic response, with submissions from premier institutions across the country. More than 50 peer-reviewed research papers were presented across thematic technical sessions, reflecting emerging scholarship on AI-driven economic modelling, FinTech regulation, digital finance and sustainable growth pathways. Three best paper presentations were awarded.
By fostering meaningful engagement between industry leaders, regulators and academia, the conference reaffirmed Birla Global University’s commitment to creating platforms that bridge research, policy and practice. The deliberations underscored the need for informed policymaking, stronger institutional collaboration and the responsible adoption of technology to ensure that India’s economic transformation remains inclusive, resilient and future-ready.
