Presentation by Ph.D. Scholar: Department of Economics and Finance - December 11th, 2025 @ 04:30 PM

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Department of Economics and Finance
BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus 
Notice

Ms. Himja, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Economics & Finance, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, recently presented her Ph.D. research work at the Asia Pacific Productivity Conference 2025 (APPC 2025), held at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, from December 26 to 28, 2025. She will share the findings with us, followed by the experience gained from the academic visit. The following are the details of the presentation scheduled for Tomorrow (11th December 2025). 

Title of the Talk: Carbon in the Crowd: Industrial Clusters and Productivity Performance of the Indian Manufacturing Sector

Date: December 11, 2025 (Thursday)
Time: 04:30 PM
Venue: 6167A (Seminar Room)
Speaker: Ms. Himja (2021PHXF0025P)
Authors: Ms. Himja, Prof. Ganesh Kumar Anand (Professor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development and Research, Mumbai), and Prof. Balakrushna Padhi   

Abstract: There exists a dual relationship between industrial agglomeration and green productivity, shaping the debate on sustainable industrial growth. Using plant-level Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) panel data (2008–09 to 2022–23) across 341 districts, this study incorporates undesirable outputs to internalize environmental externalities and compute green total factor productivity (GTFP). Results reveal a non-linear pattern: moderate clustering enhances GTFP through knowledge spillovers, labour pooling, and technology diffusion, while excessive concentration triggers resource stress, higher input costs, and ecological burden, reducing gains. The effects vary by plant characteristics—labour-intensive industries benefit mainly from intra-industry clustering, whereas capital-intensive industries gain through competition, supporting Porter’s hypothesis. Older and larger plants leverage agglomeration more effectively due to established networks. Agglomeration also increases green investments, export intensity, and energy efficiency by facilitating the adoption of cleaner technologies and fostering a stronger outward orientation. The study offers a novel integration of environmental performance with agglomeration dynamics for sustainable industrial development in India.

All are cordially invited to attend.

DRC Convener
Department of Economics and Finance