VIT-AP hosts global dialogue on innovation and sustainability
The VIT-AP School of Business (VSB), in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, Australia; Heriot-Watt University, UK; and Birmingham City University, UK, inaugurated its two-day international conference, ‘Innovation and Sustainable Business Practices in the Digital Era’ (ICISD’26), on Thursday. Inaugurating the event, Dr P Arulmozhivarman, Vice-Chancellor of VIT-AP University, described the convergence of digital transformation and sustainability as a “turning point for humanity.” He emphasised that innovation and sustainability are the dual pillars of modern economic growth.
Highlighting the role of academic institutions as incubators for ethical leadership, the Vice-Chancellor urged scholars and students to “innovate with purpose” and embrace interdisciplinary research to create value for all stakeholders. The Chief Guest, R Venkateswaran, General Manager of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), addressed the global nature of climate challenges. He noted that these must be tackled through robust digital infrastructure and
sustainable innovation. Venkateswaran further aligned the conference goals with the Government’s ‘Vikshit Bharat 2047’ vision and the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGBRC). He also briefed participants on SEBI’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework, which tracks ESG performance in the corporate sector. International perspectives were provided by Guests of Honour Dr Francesco Paolucci of Newcastle Business School and Professor Edward Sweeney of Heriot-Watt University.
While Dr Paolucci discussed the role of AI-driven applications in solving global challenges, Professor Sweeney advised a holistic approach to sustainability that integrates environmental, social, and economic development through diruptive technology. Additionally, Professor Arun Sukumar from Birmingham City University addressed the gathering virtually, lauding the initiative as a “need of the hour.”
Earlier, Dr Arun kumar, Siva kumar, Dean In-charge of VSB, welcomed the delegates, noting the conference’s focus on the intersection of innovation and the digital landscape. Dr Madhu smita Mohanty, the conference convener, provided an overview of the two-day schedule, which includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. The conference serves as a platform for 149 research papers, to be presented across nine technical sessions. The event concluded its inaugural session with a vote of thanks by Dr Navaneetha krishnan K.
