Senior Fellow (Digital Economy, Startups and Innovation)

The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) invites applications for the position of Senior Fellow in its Digital Economy, Startups and Innovation (DESI) team. The ideal candidate will bring a strong academic and economic policy background in areas such as digital transformation, technology policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The candidate will also bring analytical and critical thinking and data analysis skills, with a body of work in research, policy analysis and evaluation. The candidate must have a multi-disciplinary research orientation and understand the complex interplay between economics, emerging technologies, markets, and society.

About ICRIER

ICRIER is one of India’s premier economic policy think tanks, committed to its mission of “linking India with the world.” Established in 1981 to offer policy guidance in navigating external economic shocks, ICRIER has evolved into an independent development institution and a thought leader in inter-disciplinary research. The organization is widely recognized for providing rigorous, evidence-based, and policy-relevant insights aimed at advancing inclusive and sustainable development. ICRIER actively collaborates with governments (at both national and state levels), the private sector, multilateral organizations, and philanthropic foundations, serving as a crucial bridge between academic research and policy action.

About DESI

The work program of the DESI team at ICRIER sits at the intersection of digitalisation and development. It focuses on studying the economic impact of new technologies, benefits and risks associated with digital public infrastructure, startup ecosystems, data governance, and innovation policy. The programme engages with diverse stakeholders to provide policy-relevant research and practical insights into India’s evolving digital economy. The DESI team members also contribute extensively to the work program of ICRIER-Prosus Centre for Digital Economy (IPCIDE) and ICRIER and Vodafone Idea Centre for Telecom (InViCT).

The Position

The Senior Fellow will lead research and policy engagement in DESI’s focus areas. This role demands intellectual leadership, building strategic networks and collaborations, raising funds and bidding for projects, project management capabilities, and active participation in national and international policy discourse.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead original and high-quality research on digital economy topics such as development impact of technologies, digital public infrastructure, tech startups, data governance, and innovation policy
• Conceptualize and oversee research studies, working papers, policy briefs, and stakeholder engagements under the DESI work program.
• Build partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, industry bodies, and international organizations.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and research associates within the DESI team.
• Organize policy dialogues, roundtables, and conferences to disseminate research and generate impact.
• Represent ICRIER in national and international forums related to digital policy and innovation.
• Contribute to institutional development through fundraising, strategic planning, and thought leadership.

Preferred Skills

• Strong track record in preparing reports and studies for the government or corporates involving multiple contributors.
• Knowledge of emerging areas such as AI policy, platform regulation, fintech, digital public goods, or gig economy.
• Experience in designing and conducting primary surveys or using big data for policy research.
• Grant writing and fundraising experience for research projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in Economics, Public Policy, Technology, or related fields from a reputed institution or equivalent experience (PhD is desirable but not required).
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in research and/or policy engagement.
• Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to lead research teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Remuneration:
Commensurate with experience and qualifications. ICRIER offers a competitive package (annual CTC 30lakhs plus variable component) plus retirement benefits, medical insurance, and opportunities for professional development.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter, and a sample of recent work (research paper/policy brief) by cob 8 May 2026, to srahul@icrier.res.in with the subject line: Application for Senior Fellow – DESI.