Global Policy Insights: Arpit Chaturvedi on Shaping the Future of Governance and Diplomacy
Public policy is often seen as the exclusive domain of career bureaucrats and career politicians. However, Arpit Chaturvedi, the Co-Founder and CEO of Global Policy Insights (GPI), is proving that an entrepreneurial mindset is exactly what is needed to navigate the complex world of international relations and governance. With an MPA from Cornell and offices in London, New York, and India, Arpit is building a global think tank that moves beyond short-term election cycles to solve long-term systemic problems.
The 'Policy-preneur' Journey: From History to Cornell
Arpit’s path into public administration was anything but conventional. Like many Indian students, he initially followed the science stream, but his true interest lay in understanding systems and history. After an MBA and a stint in the corporate world, he realized that his passion was elsewhere. He went on to pursue an MPA at Cornell University, where he became the first non-US citizen to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cornell Policy Review.
His early career involved writing reports for the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and working with Members of Parliament. These experiences taught him a crucial lesson: politics and entrepreneurship are remarkably similar. Both require new ideas, questioning existing systems, and marshaling resources toward a vision of change.
Global Policy Insights: Solving the 'Boring' Problems
GPI was founded in 2018 with a mission to provide data-driven strategies for developing countries. Arpit believes that the most impactful work often happens in areas that others might find "boring." For example, GPI focuses heavily on senior citizen policy—a "bullish" area given the demographic shifts—and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and job creation.
GPI's Core Focus Areas
- Trade Conflicts: Analyzing the impact of US-China trade disputes on developing markets like India.
- Governance Models: Working with bureaucrats and MPs to create better public policy frameworks.
- Sustainability & Diplomacy: Developing long-term strategies for global diplomatic relations and environmental goals.
- Professional Development: Running programs for young professionals looking to enter the policy and political world.
GPI operates out of major global hubs, including London and New York, ensuring that their research is both globally relevant and locally applicable. By bringing together policy makers, academics, and private sector leaders, GPI creates a "mental model" for balanced systems.
Scaling Impact: Moving Beyond 5-Year Cycles
One of Arpit’s primary critiques of traditional policy making is its attachment to election cycles. "Politicians are worried about the next five years," he notes. "We need organizations that can think in terms of decades." GPI aims to be that organization—a sustainable think tank that remains functional and impactful regardless of which party is in power.
GPI's Reach
- Global Presence: Offices in India, USA, and UK.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with international NGOs and government bodies.
- Focus: Over 90% of their work is focused on the long-term sustainability of developing nations.
The Entrepreneurial Struggle: Building Infrastructure
Starting GPI wasn't without its hurdles. Arpit's first attempt at an educational consulting model didn't take off. It was only after graduating from Cornell in 2018 that he found the right rhythm. He emphasizes that in the early days, "hard infrastructure" (like a fancy office) is less important than a high-quality online presence and a strong network.
Advice for Aspiring 'Policy-preneurs'
- Solve 'Boring' Problems: Look for critical areas that no one else is working on. That’s where the real impact (and opportunity) lies.
- Start lean: You don't need a massive office on Day 1. Invest in a high-quality website and use digital tools like Zoom and Google Hangouts to build a global team.
- Build Partnerships: Don't try to solve everything yourself. Partner with universities, research centers, and existing institutions.
- Maintain Passion: Entrepreneurship is a long grind. If you don't have the passion for the problem, you will lose momentum.
A Vision for India's Policy Ecosystem
Arpit is vocal about the need for a more robust policy ecosystem in India, similar to what exists in Silicon Valley or New York. He advocates for more government support in the early stages of policy research, which can then be picked up by the private sector for execution. His ultimate vision is to create an organization that provides the intellectual backbone for a prosperous and egalitarian India.
His final message to potential founders is one of action: "Find the problems that are hidden in plain sight. If you have the knowledge and the network, start your journey today. The world needs more problem-solvers."