IUST to host 2-day National Conference on emerging technologies for governance, development planning

AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) is organising a two-day National Conference on ‘Emerging Technologies for Governance and Development Planning in Jammu and Kashmir: Policy and Implementation’at IUST Main Campuson November 17-18. The conference is being organised by the Centre for Good Governance and Policy Analysis (CGG&PA), IUST, in collaboration with the Centre for Good Governance (CGG), Hyderabad, and the Information Technology Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

The conference aims to deliberate on the transformative potential of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geospatial Technologies, Data Analytics and Integrated Digital Systems, in strengthening governance, improving public service delivery and facilitating evidence-based development planning in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The main objective of this conference is to demonstrate the applications of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Geospatial Technology, Internet of things (IoTs) and so on in day-to-day governance.At national and international levels, there has been tremendous advancement in the use and applications of emerging technologies in good governance delivery,” said Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST.

Director, CGC&PA, IUST, Dr. G. N. Itoo, said, this is the first-ever conference of its kind and scale being organised to deliberate on this critical subject. It will bring together senior-level functionaries, policy makers and researchers from across the country, along with retired senior officers of J&K, to discuss key challenges, explore practical solutions and chart a way forward for strengthening governance and improving planning in J&K.”

“Drawing on the insights and recommendations emerging from the deliberations, the conference aims to develop a comprehensive working paper that will be shared with the government for consideration and further action,” he added.

With the region's diverse geographical landscape, dispersed settlements and varying development needs, the conference seeks to explore how technology-enabled solutions can help identify service gaps, improve resource allocation, strengthen institutional coordination and connect grassroots priorities with broader development strategies. It will also examine the policy and institutional frameworks required to ensure that technological interventions translate into measurable public value.

The conference shall include seven thematic sessions featuring presentations by domain experts, followed by panel discussions. The deliberations will focus on key themes, including accountability and transparency in good governance, performance-based governance and institutional transformation, institutional capacity building, reimagining governance in Jammu and Kashmir, mapping development opportunities through village-level planning, spatial data infrastructure for governance and the One University One Data initiative, with particular emphasis on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in universities.

The conference will also examine the role of digital platforms in enhancing citizen participation, grievance redressal and administrative responsiveness. Discussions will address the responsible use of AI and automation, data protection, cybersecurity, institutional accountability and the need for human oversight in technology-driven decision-making.

A conference policy brief consolidating key recommendations and implementation strategies will also be prepared by CGG&PA, IUST, for consideration by relevant departments and collaborating institutions.

The conference has been sponsored by the Information Technology Department, Government of J&K, and Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd, and Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd, while reputed newspaper, Daily Excelsior, serves as media partner for the conference.