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About the National Economic Forum (NEF) 

The National Economic Forum (NEF) is a policy research and strategic convening platform operating at the intersection of economics, governance, sustainability, and technological transformation. 

NEF works to shape evidence-based economic direction by bridging research, industry, and public policy. In an era defined by structural transitions - energy decarbonisation, digital transformation, industrial realignment, and institutional reform; policy fragmentation and siloed decision-making often impede systemic progress. NEF addresses this gap by combining rigorous economic research with structured multi-stakeholder dialogue. Through curated roundtables, policy consultations, thematic workshops, and research publications, NEF facilitates conversations grounded in economic evidence, institutional feasibility, and long-term development strategy. 


The organisation operates through specialised Centres, including the Centre for Emerging Technology and the Centre for Law, Economy and Policy, both of which are currently expanding their research teams. 


Centre for Emerging Technology 

Centre Overview: The Centre for Emerging Technology examines the economic, regulatory, and governance implications of frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital platforms, data governance systems, and innovation ecosystems. It focuses on how technological transformation reshapes productivity, labour markets, competitiveness, and institutional design. The Centre seeks to develop structured economic frameworks for responsible innovation, ensuring that technological advancement aligns with public interest, regulatory clarity, and sustainable growth. 


Centre for Law, Economy and Policy 

Centre Overview: The Centre for Law, Economy and Policy focuses on the interaction between regulatory frameworks, institutional architecture, and economic transformation. It analyses how legislation, governance mechanisms, and regulatory instruments influence markets, investment flows, sustainability transitions, and structural reform. The Centre’s work spans regulatory reform, economic legislation, public policy evaluation, institutional coordination, and governance design across sectors such as infrastructure, digital markets, energy, sustainability, and industrial policy. 


Centre for Sustainable Economy and Smart Cities

Centre Overview: The Centre for Sustainable Economy and Smart Cities focuses on the intersection of urbanisation, sustainability, and economic transformation. It examines how cities can serve as engines of inclusive growth while addressing challenges related to climate change, resource efficiency, infrastructure development, and quality of life. The Centre works on developing integrated policy frameworks that align urban planning, sustainable mobility, energy transitions, and digital infrastructure with long-term economic resilience. It seeks to support evidence-based decision-making for building future-ready, low-carbon, and liveable urban ecosystems.


Centre for Global Supply Chains and Trade

Centre Overview: The Centre for Global Supply Chains and Trade examines the evolving dynamics of international trade, production networks, and economic integration in a rapidly changing global landscape. It focuses on how shifts in geopolitics, technology, sustainability imperatives, and trade policies are reshaping global value chains and competitiveness. The Centre aims to develop strategic insights for strengthening India’s position in global supply chains, enhancing trade resilience, and aligning trade policy with industrial development and economic growth objectives.


Key Responsibilities


  • Conduct rigorous research and analysis across thematic areas including emerging technologies, digital economy, sustainability transitions, urban systems, global trade, and regulatory policy.
  • Analyse economic, regulatory, and institutional frameworks, assessing their implications for markets, governance, and long-term development.
  • Track global policy, regulatory, and industry developments, and evaluate their relevance for India’s economic and policy landscape.
  • Prepare high-quality policy briefs, research papers, white papers, consultation submissions, and thematic reports with strong analytical grounding.
  • Support the design and execution of multi-stakeholder engagements, including roundtables, policy dialogues, and industry consultations.
  • Contribute to interdisciplinary research outputs by integrating perspectives across technology, law, economics, sustainability, and trade.
  • Assist in developing strategic insights and recommendations to inform decision-making by government, industry, and institutional stakeholders.
  • Compile and synthesise large datasets, literature, and policy documents to generate actionable insights.
  • Support the creation of knowledge products, presentations, and communication materials for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Engage with internal teams across centres to ensure coherence, quality, and timeliness of research outputs.
  • Maintain high standards of academic rigour, policy relevance, and clarity in all deliverables.
  • Undertake additional research, coordination, and organisational tasks as required to support the institution’s broader work programme.





Qualifications


  • 1–3 years of relevant research, policy, legal, or institutional experience. 
  • Prior internships or professional experience in think tanks, research institutions, regulatory bodies, or consulting environments preferred. Core Competencies 
  • Strong research and analytical skills. 
  • Excellent written communication and structured policy writing ability. 
  • Capacity to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable insights. 
  • Familiarity with regulatory systems and institutional frameworks. 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment. 



Application Process 

Interested candidates are invited to submit: 

  • A detailed CV 
  • A writing sample (policy brief, research paper, or analytical article) 
  • A brief statement of interest indicating preferred Centre


The applications can be sent to application@nef.org.in.in with the subject “2026_FullName_ResearchAssociate”.


Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.