Industry and Academia Stalwarts Discuss the New Rules of Business

IIM Rohtak Hosts Management Conference 2026; Over 50 Industry Experts Participate in Discussions on AI, Innovation, Leadership and the Future of Work

The Haryana Talks  News

Rohtak: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak organised the Management Conference 2026 on October 24, bringing together more than 50 industry leaders, business executives and academic experts to deliberate on emerging business trends, strategic challenges and the evolving management landscape.

The conference was held under the theme ‘The New Rules of Business: Bridging Academia and Industry in an Age of Constant Reinvention.’

The event provided an opportunity for over 600 students of the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) to interact with industry experts and gain insights into strategic leadership, innovation, competitive advantage and the future of business. The initiative aimed to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and help students understand the changing dynamics of the business world.

Purposeful Change and Adaptability Essential for Success: Prof. Dheeraj Sharma

Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak, welcomed the distinguished speakers, industry representatives, faculty members and students.

In his address, he emphasised the need to strike a balance between stability and adaptability, drawing parallels from governance systems and constitutional amendments across different parts of the world.

He highlighted the importance of purposeful change, stating that organisations must understand when and why change is necessary rather than pursuing reinvention continuously.

Prof. Sharma also discussed changing attitudes towards work and stressed the importance of accountability, commitment and going beyond the bare minimum. He urged students to make the most of their interactions with industry leaders, adding that commitment, discipline and sincerity remain fundamental to professional success.

Industry Leaders Share Insights on Business and Leadership

The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers, including the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), HDFC Pension Fund Management Limited and Kokuyo Camlin.

The speakers shared their perspectives on continuous reinvention, customer-centric innovation and leadership in a rapidly changing business environment.

Drawing on their professional experience, they highlighted how past successes can sometimes become barriers to future growth. They emphasised the need for organisations to challenge complacency, respond to market realities and embrace change with purpose and adaptability.

Four Panel Discussions Explore Business and the Future of Work

The conference featured four panel discussions involving leaders from prominent organisations, including Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Network18 Media & Investments Ltd., Merck Healthcare, Omaxe Limited, Synergy Consulting Inc., Niva Bupa Health Insurance, Mitsubishi Electric India Pvt. Ltd. and Thomson Reuters, among others.

The first panel explored the transition from product-centric strategies to interconnected business ecosystems. It highlighted the role of strategic partnerships, customer-centric innovation and shared value creation in building sustainable competitive advantage.

The second panel examined the evolving role of finance as a strategic driver of business growth. Discussions focused on proactive risk management, financial resilience and adaptive planning to navigate economic uncertainties.

The third panel explored the future of work and changing workplace culture. Experts emphasised the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with human capabilities, continuous upskilling, adaptability and collaborative leadership in building future-ready organisations.

The fourth panel focused on emerging career opportunities in the digital era. It highlighted the importance of problem-solving, curiosity, continuous learning and adaptability, while emphasising the role of AI as an enabling tool alongside essential human skills.

Concept Paper to Capture Key Insights and Recommendations

The conference reaffirmed IIM Rohtak’s commitment to strengthening industry-academia collaboration, enhancing management education and inspiring future leaders to contribute meaningfully to society.

The key insights and inferences drawn from the panel discussions will be compiled into a concept paper. The document will include recommendations and implications for future reference by industry practitioners, policymakers and academia.

IIM Rohtak Has Over 1,600 Students

With a current enrolment of more than 1,600 students, IIM Rohtak is an Institute of National Importance and is accredited by AMBA and BGA.

According to the institute, it ranks among the top 2% of management schools globally. It has maintained its position among India's leading institutions and achieved a ranking of 151+ in the QS World University Rankings, reflecting its growing prominence in academic and policy engagement.

As the largest IIM, the institute fosters a diverse student community and remains committed to academic excellence, leadership development and nation-building through education, research and policy engagement.