
The conference, themed ‘Managing and Working with Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the World Together’, attracted scholars, industry leaders, and thought leaders from across the globe to discuss AI’s transformative role in shaping industries, governance, and societal progress.
AIRC 2025: The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow) successfully concluded the 4th edition of its Annual International Research Conference (AIRC) and Doctoral Workshop, which took place from January 29 to February 1, 2025. The conference, themed ‘Managing and Working with Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the World Together’, attracted scholars, industry leaders, and thought leaders from across the globe to discuss AI’s transformative role in shaping industries, governance, and societal progress. The event served as a platform for dynamic discussions on AI's potential, its ethical implications, and its growing impact on the future of work.
The event was inaugurated by Professor Archana Shukla, Director of IIM Lucknow, along with Professor Ajay Garg, Dean Faculty, and Professor Pradeep Kumar, Faculty and Convenor of AIRC 2025. Distinguished keynote speakers set the stage for insightful discussions, with Professor Giri Kumar Tayi from the State University of New York, USA, and Professor Simy Joy from the University of East Anglia delivering thought-provoking addresses.
In her opening remarks, Professor Archana Shukla emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from quantity to quality in academic research. She advocated for purposeful research that makes a tangible impact on industries, policies, and society.
AI's Transformative Role: Keynote Highlights
Professor Giri Kumar Tayi highlighted how AI is reshaping industries, governance, and research methodologies. He introduced the I² principle—Interest and Impact—as the foundation of meaningful research, stressing how AI can drive competitive advantage, ethical governance, and sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, Professor Simy Joy focused on developing academic papers for the Academy of Management Learning & Education (AMLE), emphasizing the importance of clear articulation, engaging storytelling, and correct methodology to ensure impactful academic contributions.
Insightful Sessions and Thought-Provoking Panel Discussions
The event saw a series of captivating sessions led by distinguished national and international speakers. Key sessions covered topics like ‘The Borg’s Paradox and Preserving Human-AI Complementarity’ and ‘Classification in the Wild: The Science and Art of Transparent Decision Making’, featuring experts such as Professor Alok Gupta from the Carlson School of Management, Professor Konstantinos V. Katsikopoulos from the University of Southampton, and Professor Elizabeth L. Rose from IIM Udaipur.
IIM Lucknow offers a two-year Post-Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGPWE), previously known as the Working Managers' Programme (WMP). The PGPWE is a uniquely designed programme for working executives, entrepreneurs and professionals, who desire to enhance their managerial knowledge and skills through formal management education while continuing to work full-time in their ongoing professions/businesses. The specific objectives of the programme are to enable the executives to:
- Comprehend the meaning of the socio-economic, technological and ecological environment of modern societies and their characteristic values
- Acquire the prevailing state-of-art knowledge and skills in the functional areas of management
- Develop analytical and innovative foresight to gauge change holistically, and to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of business systems
- Value societal well-being and the responsibility of corporate citizens
According to verified reviews published on Shiksha, IIM Lucknow has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5. On one side where students have mentioned in their reviews that the course curriculum is quite rigorous, a few also mentioned that they are satisfied with the faculty, good infrastructure and record-breaking placements. In addition to these factors, IIM Lucknow carries the brand value of IIMs, which in itself makes this institute worth joining. Therefore, yes it is a good option.
A special panel discussion on Mindfulness and Happiness explored the role of well-being in academic and professional excellence, emphasizing the importance of mental health in fostering a productive and innovative environment.
Doctoral Workshop and Insights into Publishing
A key component of the event was the Doctoral Workshop, held on January 29, 2025, led by Dr. Ankita Mishra from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia. This workshop provided doctoral students with valuable insights into publishing in top-tier academic journals, covering aspects such as selecting the right journal, structuring research papers, navigating the review process, and enhancing the impact of academic work.
A Platform for Collaboration and Exchange
As part of AIRC 2025, more than 120 research papers were submitted, providing a rich exchange of ideas among scholars from around the world. Participants had the opportunity to present and discuss their doctoral work with senior academicians, receiving collaborative support to enhance the publication potential of their research.
Shaping the Future of AI in Academia and Industry
In his closing address, Professor Pradeep Kumar, Convenor of AIRC 2025, highlighted the conference’s role as a catalyst for the future of AI in academia and industry. He stated, "This conference provides an invaluable platform to explore both the challenges and opportunities AI presents, fostering meaningful exchanges that will shape the future of AI integration across industries."
The discussions at AIRC 2025 focused on managing the evolving relationship between humans and AI, and how academia can lead the way in promoting ethical AI development. The event showcased IIM Lucknow's commitment to advancing knowledge and research that supports ethical advancements and societal progress.
Global Interest in AI and Management Research
As global interest in AI and management research continues to grow, IIM Lucknow’s AIRC conference remains an essential annual event. It contributes significantly to a deeper understanding of effective corporate operations and societal well-being, both of which are crucial for broader economic development. Through collaborations and discussions, the event helps shape the future of AI, empowering academia and industry to work together towards a more innovative, ethical, and sustainable future.
Read More:
Follow Shiksha.com for latest education news in detail on Exam Results, Dates, Admit Cards, & Schedules, Colleges & Universities news related to Admissions & Courses, Board exams, Scholarships, Careers, Education Events, New education policies & Regulations.
To get in touch with Shiksha news team, please write to us at news@shiksha.com

Latest News
Next Story
Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow offers executive MBA or PGPWE courses for a duration of two years. PGPWE is a uniquely designed course for working executives, entrepreneurs and professionals, who wish to enhance their managerial knowledge and skills through formal management education while continuing to work. Students get to work on live projects and connect with leaders around the globe. Admission to these programmes is entrance-based. Read more about IIML Executive PGP, here.