SRM Group Advisor Urges Universities to Embrace Continuous Learning in AI Era

A symposium at SRM University-A.P. examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping management practices, economic models, organisational transformation and global business.

Soumitra Dutta, advisor to the SRM Group, said universities must move beyond incremental changes and adopt continuous learning, experimentation and innovation to keep pace with the exponential growth of artificial intelligence.

Focus on research and technological capability

Dutta delivered the keynote address at the symposium on ‘Advancing Management Knowledge in the AI Era: Research Frontiers and Future’, organised by the Paari School of Business (PSB) at SRM University-A.P.

He highlighted the close links between advances in engineering and the development of modern digital ecosystems.

Dutta also stressed the need for developing countries such as India to strengthen their technological capabilities and research networks.

He said this would be necessary for these countries to participate effectively in global innovation, particularly because computing infrastructure remains concentrated in a few wealthy economies.

The symposium was themed ‘Reimagining Management through AI’ and brought together academics and researchers to assess the effects of artificial intelligence on management and business.

Caution against excessive dependence on automated tools

During a discussion on human capital, leadership and organisational transformation, Allan Bird of the Goa Institute of Management and Michael Stevens of Weber State University examined the implications of AI for organisational strategy and decision-making.

They discussed globalisation through the lenses of ease of communication, systemic interdependence and operational complexity.

The speakers emphasised the importance of cognitive engagement and independent thinking while cautioning against excessive dependence on automated tools.

The discussion underlined the need for organisations and academic institutions to use AI without allowing automated systems to replace independent judgement.

Ashay Kadam, dean of PSB, said the business school was integrating AI into its curriculum and departmental workflows.

He also said the school was conducting faculty development programmes to improve the use of AI in teaching and research.

These initiatives were aimed at preparing students for changing industry requirements and supporting the institution’s ambition to become “AI-native”.

Research expected to deliver wider benefits

Ranjit Thapa, Dean-Research, SRM-A.P., underscored the importance of adapting to intelligent environments to strengthen India’s global research standing.

He said academic research should deliver tangible societal benefits beyond journal publications.

Thapa also highlighted the need to update financial systems so they can withstand emerging computational challenges.

The symposium will be followed by a five-day Early Career Researchers’ Publishing Boot Camp led by Allan Bird and Elizabeth L. Rose.

The boot camp will mentor scholars in preparing manuscripts for leading international academic publications.

Source: The Hindu