The Odisha government Saturday signed an MoU with the University of Chicago Trust, India, to set up a data, policy, and innovation center (DPIC) in Bhubaneswar. This Data Policy and Innovation Centre will enable rigorous, evidence-based governance using new advances in econometrics, data science, and machine learning.
The MoU was signed between the CEO of Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) Manoj Kumar Pattnaik and the executive director of University Chicago Center, Leni Chaudhari. It was signed in the presence of IT Minister Tusharkanti Behera.
The scope of this programmatic partnership will involve researchers from the University of Chicago providing data analysis and evaluation assistance. This will benefit Odisha’s schemes and policies across the state districts and blocks.
Talking about the collaboration, Pattnaik said, “We are excited to work with the researchers at EPIC India. It will help lead Odisha to become a leading data center hub. Using evidence-based research, we hope the DPIC will act as a Center of Excellence for collecting big data from many sources. The center will analyze that data using contemporary econometric and statistical models. It will also produce necessary creative policy guides.”
Under the partnership, researchers from the University of Chicago will aid the government of Odisha in conducting research, monitoring, impact evaluation, and project implementation. This will cover the energy and environment, health, education, agriculture, and water & sanitation sectors.
Along with that, the partnership will also entail the capacity development of personnel and institutions. It aims to create a hub for modern data analysis and knowledge sharing, he said.
While outlining the different contours of DPIC along with its technical and application possibilities, Anant Sudarshan, a senior fellow at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, said, “To enable rigorous, evidence-based governance under the program, we have outlined a three-pronged strategy. This strategy involves creating a hub for modern data analysis, conducting field pilots using randomized control trials, and finally, focusing on training and capacity building.”
Chaudhari said they have previously joined the state government in rolling out the star rating programme for industries. Now, this new partnership will help source big data efficiently and design innovative energy and environmental solutions.
“We aim to bring our expertise in applied research on innovative policy ideas. Our goal is to develop mechanisms that facilitate increased energy access and reduced health and environmental problems,” Chaudhari said.
(Source: IANS)
