• Paper / Report

Applying artificial intelligence for social good

  • Source : McKinsey
  • January 2018
This article explores how AI technologies can address global challenges across various domains, including crisis response, economic empowerment, education, and environmental sustainability. It presents a library of approximately 160 AI use cases aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing AI’s potential to improve societal outcomes.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Where Data-Driven Decision-Making Can Go Wrong: Five pitfalls to avoid

  • Source : Harvard Business Review
  • January 2024
This article discusses common pitfalls organisations face when relying solely on data for decisions. They emphasise the importance of understanding data limitations, avoiding overgeneralization, and integrating human judgment to enhance decision-making effectiveness. ​
  • Case Study

Big bets and bug bears for social justice philanthropy

  • Source : ISDM
  • June 2024
Investigates enabling and constraining factors for private foundations funding justice and rights in India. Based on interviews with 21 stakeholders, identifies identity, external environment, grantmaking process, and praxis as critical dimensions shaping philanthropy. Highlights systemic challenges and pathways to strengthen support for rights-oriented non-profits.
  • Book

AI for Social Impact

  • Source : Harvard University/ Google Research
  • January 2025
The book explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in addressing societal challenges. It presents case studies across public health, environmental sustainability, and crisis management, highlighting successful AI deployments. The book emphasises the importance of aligning AI methodologies with real-world applications to achieve meaningful social benefits.
  • Case Study

Developing a corporate social justice index

  • Source : ISDM
  • June 2024
This study explores how large companies report on social justice, developing an unweighted Corporate Social Justice Disclosure Index (CSJDI) based on major social themes and corporate stakeholders. It analyses annual reports of BSE 100 companies from FY 2016–17 to FY 2022–23 using content analysis. Results show increasing disclosure trends, influenced positively by revenue, women on boards, and ESG scores. CSJ disclosures also positively impact market capitalisation, revenue, and ESG performance, suggesting the need for enhanced corporate transparency and regulatory reforms.
  • Media Article

Meet the Innovators Shaping AI to Serve Those Often Left Behind

  • Source : Analytics India Magazine
  • June 2025
This blog highlights the efforts of grassroots innovators in India who are leveraging AI to empower marginalized communities. It features insights from fellows of the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) who are co-creating Digital Open Solutions (DOS) with communities to drive inclusive, tech-enabled change. The article discusses various initiatives aimed at improving accessibility, education, and livelihood opportunities for underserved populations.
  • Paper / Report

World Development Report 2021: Data for Better Lives

  • Source : The World Bank
  • January 2021
This report examines how data can be leveraged to improve development outcomes, emphasizing the need for a new social contract to balance data use and privacy. It highlights the importance of equitable access, trust, and governance in harnessing data’s potential for societal benefit.
  • Case Study

NGOs and tribal development

  • Source : ISDM
  • June 2024
Analyses development strategies among the Katkari particularly vulnerable tribal group, focusing on livelihood shifts, literacy, healthcare, landlessness, and bonded labour. Contrasts two development paradigms: preservationist segregation vs integrationist planning via the Tribal Sub‑Plan approach and assesses policy efficacy and community impacts.
  • Blog

Fellowship 2025 Final Showcase (Digital Open Solutions (DOS) for Social Impact)

  • Source : ISDM
  • April 2025
The CDSSI Fellowship Brochure 2025 details the fellowship program at the Centre for Digital Social Sector Initiatives (CDSSI), highlighting its objective to support professionals in developing innovative Digital Open Solutions (DOS) that address critical challenges in the social sector. The brochure outlines the fellowship structure, including mentorship, capacity building, and collaboration opportunities. It emphasizes the final outputs of the fellowship—scalable and replicable DOS developed by the fellows—aimed at driving digital transformation and social impact in diverse thematic areas.
  • Case Study

Becoming educated

  • Source : ISDM
  • June 2024
Documents scholarship initiatives at Farook College funded through alumni, faculty, and peer contributions to support underprivileged students, particularly girls, in accessing higher education. Shows self-sustaining mechanisms enabling competitive exam prep centers and placement support, fostering broader regional replication in Malabar.
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