CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Ravi Sreedharan, Founder and President, ISDM
- Can you share the vision behind CDSSI?
The Centre for Data Science and Social Impact (CDSSI) endeavours to catalyse a transformative shift in the social sector’s approach to data. CDSSI will do this by empowering Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) to understand and harness the power of data and data science to design their interventions for far greater sustained impact at scale and also strengthen their operations, decision-making, and program delivery. CDSSI will advocate for and raise awareness, build understanding, and facilitate connections for SPOs to leverage data and data science through convenings and conversations. Ultimately, all this contributes to influencing and improving data and data science practices in the sector.
- What specific initiatives does CDSSI plan in terms of tools, infrastructure, and technology needed for data-driven decision-making?
CDSSI seeks to firstly show a mirror to the sector on where it is when it comes to leveraging data and follow that up with ways and means for SPOs to get better at it. CDSSI will facilitate the development of diagnostic tools, operating frameworks, and training modules to help organisations in the sector to navigate the evolving landscape of data science and make informed decisions for greater and sustained social impact.
- What kind of data science and analytics models is CDSSI developing, and how are they generalised across different social issues?
The focus of the Centre is not to develop analytical models, as much as to demonstrate the possibilities with examples and some use cases. Timely and relevant data utilisation will help make SPOs more effective in addressing societal challenges. ISDM is also building a Knowledge Institute wherein we plan to collate and curate large-scale available data across SDGs and empower SPOs with readily accessible, good quality information and data management tools.
- Can you share examples of how AI and ML are currently being used or can be leveraged for solving social good?
Today Data Sciences has become the backbone of Trillion Dollar companies such as Google and Amazon. The idea is to see how these cutting-edge tools and techniques can be used to better solve social issues. AI and ML present transformative opportunities to address a whole range of pressing, large-scale social issues in India such as public health, skilling, livelihoods, agriculture, water management, gender equality, and so much more. They can be leveraged to enhance healthcare outcomes such as reducing infant deaths and malnutrition through predictive analytics. A fascinating example is that while Google was working with Aravind Eye Hospital to deploy an AI-based algorithm that screens diabetic retinopathy and detects the early onset of blindness, ML algorithms identified that retina scanning can be used to provide early warning signals for heart attacks. By advocating for, and providing a platform for the creation and dissemination of such solutions, CDSSI can contribute significantly to catalysing data science for social impact in the country.
- How will CDSSI ensure that social purpose ecosystem actively engages with and benefits from the Centre’s initiatives?
CDSSI is committed to ensuring active engagement and tangible benefits for the social purpose ecosystem through research, convenings, collaboration, conversations, and workshops. The centre focuses on building communities of practice within the social purpose ecosystem by understanding and advancing the data maturity of organisations. Additionally, the centre will research and document relevant use cases globally and within the Indian context, and evangelise the adoption of cutting-edge technology for societal change.
- Given the interdisciplinary nature of data science, how does CDSSI collaborate with experts from various fields to address complex social issues?
Recognising the multifaceted nature of societal challenges, CDSSI collaborates and partners with experts from across domains. CDSSI advocates for an interdisciplinary approach that builds bridges between data scientists, social scientists, and other relevant experts. CDSSI extends this philosophy to its internal strategy as well. The Centre engages with experts across social purpose leaders, academics, data scientists and social scientists to frame its vision. This collaborative ethos enables the Centre to develop nuanced and comprehensive strategies, ensuring the integration of diverse insights and fostering a more inclusive and effective approach to societal change.
- What are CDSSI’s future goals and aspirations?
The Centre aims to expand its influence by evangelising cutting-edge technologies, researching emerging trends, and sharing insights globally to inform relevant stakeholders. CDSSI aspires to become a pivotal hub to develop impactful data science and analytics models for social change. With a dedication to continuous knowledge creation and dissemination, CDSSI seeks to lead conversations, shape practices, and drive the adoption of data and data science in the Indian development sector, ultimately contributing significantly to a data-driven ecosystem.
