As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, key voices from the design and education sectors have expressed high hopes for measures that will bolster creativity, innovation, and skill development. Mr. Thomas Dal, Dean of Strate School of Design, and Dr. Srinivasan K, Director of MBA ESG, have shared their perspectives on how the upcoming budget could shape the future of their respective fields.
Supporting the Design Sector’s Growth Potential
Mr. Thomas Dal, Dean of Strate School of Design, emphasised the pivotal role of the design sector in driving economic growth. “As we await the forthcoming 2025 Budget, the design sector anticipates exciting developments to further fuel creativity and innovation. As the design industry has historically been a major contributor to economic growth, we expect governments to continue to support it, particularly in the area of digital infrastructure and technology-driven solutions,” he stated.

Highlighting the growing global demand for innovative design solutions, Mr. Dal advocated for investments in design education and international collaborations. “Investment in a holistic and interdisciplinary approach through institutions that promote cross-disciplinary learning will be fundamental in creating future-ready designers who can meet the challenges of an ever-evolving market,” he noted.
He further stressed that government policies focusing on design thinking could unlock the potential of creative industries, fostering enhanced innovation and competitiveness across various sectors. “Such policies not only would channel the best of design thinking into tech and business domains but also unlock the full potential of creative industries at large,” he added.
Enhancing Higher Education for Workforce Readiness
In the realm of higher education, Dr. Srinivasan K, Director of MBA ESG, expressed optimism about the government’s potential focus on aligning education with market needs. “As we look ahead to the 2025 budget, we are optimistic about the future of higher education and its role in preparing students for an evolving workforce. We hope the government will give more priority to policies that support industry-aligned curricula and infuse emerging technologies into the way students learn,” he said.
Dr. Srinivasan also underscored the importance of scholarship funding and global alliances in expanding access to quality education. “MBA ESG operates on the benefits of scholarship funding and global alliances and focuses on enhancing and making quality education accessible to all,” he remarked.

He called for increased support for private institutions, particularly those offering specialised MBA courses, to enhance India’s standing as a global hub for business education. “Overall, preparing graduates with skills that are in demand in the changing marketplace will definitely better align education services with the needs of the economy of the future, thus giving students a competitive edge in tomorrow’s job market,” he concluded.
A Common Vision for Innovation and Excellence
Both leaders agree that strategic investments in their respective domains could have far-reaching benefits for India’s economy. By fostering innovation in design and aligning education with industry needs, the Union Budget 2025 has the potential to create a future-ready workforce equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape. The government’s focus on these sectors could ensure that India remains at the forefront of creativity, education, and competitiveness in the years to come.