IIM Sambalpur Leads Odisha's Vision for a Sustainable Net-Zero Future

Reinforcing its strong commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility and cultural preservation, IIM Sambalpur in collaboration with Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the University of Maryland has taken center stage in Odisha’s Journey towards economic

transformation. Through the Economic Transition Coalition Odisha (ETCO), IIM Sambalpur is co-authoring a strategic plan to integrate jobs, growth and sustainability with in the state. 
 
It is through a white paper published by ETCO that ETCO leverages the deep local expertise of IIM Sambalpur and Odisha’s industry and academic leaders, insights from CGS’s work on energy transition in India and other regions.  The whitepaper titled, “A New Economic Transition Framework for Jobs, Growth, and Sustainability in Odisha" describes an extensive vision for Odisha to become a high-income, inclusive, and Net-zero economy by 2050. This partnership highlights a five-pronged strategy focusing on high and equitable incomes, sustainable food systems, climate resilience, zero biodiversity loss, and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “Sustainability at IIM Sambalpur is not confined to buildings or rankings. As, we know that Odisha is on the cusp of a historic moment to lead India's global sustainable development narrative. IIM Sambalpur's role as a partner in this coalition is a perfect example of how academia can impact policy and can create profound change across from industry. As a leading partner in ETCO, IIM Sambalpur has been instrumental in identifying policy actions and strategic frameworks needed to ensure Odisha becomes a hub for green manufacturing, renewable energy, and inclusive development which include Transition Strategy for workers in mining and thermal sectors, promotion of green technologies such as green steel, carbon capture, and hydrogen-based energy systems. Establishment of climate-resilient infrastructure in response to Odisha’s vulnerability to natural disasters, strong focus on biodiversity conservation, reducing animal-human conflict, and creating artificial habitats and eco-corridors and Sustainable food systems supporting equitable farmer incomes, agroforestry, and soil carbon rejuvenation are also crucial. With a vision aligned to India’s net-zero goals and NEP 2020’s call for interdisciplinary collaboration, IIM Sambalpur is redefining what it means to be a business school in the 21st century not just creating managers but enabling sustainable nation builders.”

Additionally, the framework also proposes leveraging Odisha’s mineral-rich landscape and long coastline to evolve into a global green manufacturing and export hub, while ensuring environmental safeguards and community participation remain paramount.