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Ramdas Baliga, Managing Director of Toshiba Software India Private Ltd, engages in an exclusive dialogue with ET Edge Insights, focusing on the pivotal significance of digital technologies in addressing environmental concerns, as well as delving into the topics of blockchain, energy efficiency, and leadership.
Edited excerpts from the interview
When considering environmental issues, what specific contributions can digital technologies make in effectively addressing and mitigating these concerns?
Digital technologies are advancing rapidly, and companies need to adopt a responsible approach to applying these technologies to address significant global challenges. The foremost challenge we currently face is the constraint of resources. Certainly, let’s consider an example of how these technologies can be beneficial for India. Take the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AIML), for instance. These technologies empower policymakers and scientists to utilise data-driven models for in-depth analysis, facilitating strategic decision-making aimed at optimising their environmental impact and achieving favourable outcomes.
The AIML models are very good at processing large amounts of data and can improve the predictions based on such data rates and those events can have an influence on the environment that really controls rates. The ultimate aim is to establish efficient metrics for achieving sustainability.
In light of our discussion on technologies, could you please share your perspective on blockchain?
Blockchain has a few key properties of transparency and traceability. Funding is a very important key feature. Also, the blockchain is maintained in terms of distributed credit cards and immutable, so it cannot be changed by the bank.
This is crucial and can be applied in investment. Blockchain technology allows us to monitor carbon footprints and economic data securely and transparently in a distributed environment. It empowers stakeholders, such as consumers, businesses, and governments, to track carbon footprints beyond national borders.
Could you please outline any specific long-term vision or immediate sustainability goals that Toshiba Software is currently pursuing?
What is the current state of the environment and the global efforts to address environmental challenges, with a focus on how these technologies can be applied in India to enhance the quality of life for its citizens? Considering this context, one of our global areas of interest pertains to effective methods for collecting and harnessing valuable data. The data is generated by physical systems. Data is connected to cyberspace that is used to control physical systems. This data plays a pivotal role in comprehending the intricate intersection between the circular economy and the reduction of carbon footprints, particularly in the context of software-driven initiatives.
We share a common goal of pushing back a little bit, and we firmly believe in harnessing the expertise and capabilities of digital technologies to support a global push for their application, thus contributing to the creation of a more sustainable environment.
What economic advantages do digital technologies bring to sectors such as renewable energy?
Many advancements in technologies are happening at a very rapid pace these days and organisations are looking for inventive ways to differentiate themselves from their competition.
However, as I mentioned earlier, organisations must also embrace digital technologies as part of their responsibilities. Allow me to provide an example of our efforts in this regard: Toshiba Software has developed advanced AIML algorithms that have the potential to enhance system efficiency and enable condition-based maintenance in thermal power plants.. These algorithms provide economic benefits and help the environment. Another trend that is happening in the energy sector is more towards renewables. The integration of digital technologies into renewable energy sources not only provides economic benefits but also results in favourable environmental impacts.
Leadership plays a crucial role in any kind of management in terms of maintaining sustainability. So how do you see the role of a leader in this entire quest?
This is an important question for me. From a digital technology perspective, it’s clear that leaders should understand that technology can greatly contribute to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and can activate, enhance, and support those efforts. Leadership must responsibly harness these technologies to make a difference. A simple example is how we can reduce resource consumption by transitioning to a circular economy, thereby reducing waste. This kind of leadership is essential to implementing these solutions effectively and in a timely manner.
Organisations should acknowledge their responsibility and exercise their capabilities thoughtfully to contribute positively to the global environment.
