A research study by the Human Sciences Research Centre (HSRC) at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT-H) has shed new light on how public procurement processes are influencing the development and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems in India. The study recently received the Best Paper Award in the Practice Track category at the 6th India Public Policy Network (IPPN) Conference 2026.

The award-winning research explores an emerging aspect of AI governance, suggesting that important decisions around AI are increasingly being shaped not only through policy discussions and regulations but also through government procurement and outsourcing practices.

Award-Winning Research on AI Governance

The paper, titled “Emerging Institutional Pathways for AI Governance in India: Evidence from Public Procurement and Outsourcing,” was authored by Prof. Aakansha Natani, Assistant Professor at HSRC, Siddhi Wadekar, PhD Scholar, and Sujal Deoda, a dual-degree student pursuing B.Tech in Computer Science and MS in Computing and Human Sciences.

Follow Elets Technomedia Channel on WhatsApp

The study was recognised at the IPPN Conference 2026, hosted by the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in collaboration with institutions including the University of Cambridge, National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), and the International Public Policy Association (IPPA).

Exploring Governance Beyond Regulations

The research emerged from an ongoing HSRC project examining policy gaps in India’s AI and data governance ecosystem.

The team noted that unlike some regions such as the European Union, India currently does not have a dedicated AI law. Instead, governance is guided by policy frameworks, advisory documents and evolving guidelines.

This led researchers to investigate where practical AI governance mechanisms are actually taking shape while formal regulations continue to evolve.

Procurement Documents Offer Valuable Insights

To understand this process, the researchers analysed publicly available government tenders related to AI technologies and digital systems.

As governments increasingly adopt AI-powered tools for citizen services, administration and public sector operations, many agencies rely on private companies and technology providers to build and manage these systems.

The study examined procurement notices, tender documents, technical specifications, eligibility requirements and compliance clauses to identify how governance expectations are being embedded into operational processes.

According to the researchers, these procurement frameworks often define standards, accountability requirements and implementation conditions that directly influence how AI systems are designed and deployed.

Public Procurement Emerging as a Governance Tool

One of the key findings of the study is that procurement is becoming an important mechanism through which AI governance is being implemented in practice.

Follow Elets eGov Magazine on LinkedIn

The research suggests that governance is not shaped solely through legislation or regulations but also through everyday administrative processes such as technology procurement, outsourcing agreements and deployment frameworks.

The study highlights how government agencies are increasingly using procurement documents to articulate expectations around transparency, compliance, accountability and operational standards for AI systems.

Importance of Interdisciplinary Research

The project brought together expertise from multiple disciplines, including computer science, public policy, political science and computational social sciences.

Researchers emphasized that understanding AI governance requires both technical knowledge of AI systems and policy expertise to analyse institutional processes and governance structures.

The collaboration also reflects IIIT Hyderabad’s growing focus on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology and society.

Implications for India’s AI Ecosystem

As India continues to expand the use of AI across governance, public services and digital infrastructure, the findings offer valuable insights into how governance practices are evolving on the ground.

The study points to the growing importance of procurement frameworks, institutional processes and operational guidelines in shaping responsible AI deployment.

Researchers believe that understanding these emerging pathways will be essential for developing more effective and inclusive AI governance models in the future.

Key Highlights

• IIIT Hyderabad researchers won the Best Paper Award at IPPN Conference 2026.
• The study examines how public procurement influences AI governance in India.
• The research was conducted by Prof. Aakansha Natani, Siddhi Wadekar and Sujal Deoda.
• Researchers analysed government tenders and procurement documents related to AI systems.
• The study found that procurement processes are emerging as an important governance mechanism.
• It highlights the role of outsourcing and institutional practices in shaping AI deployment.
• The research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to AI governance.
• Findings may help inform future AI policy and governance frameworks in India.

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter, Instagram.

"Exciting news! Elets technomedia is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!