A recent report has unveiled a remarkable surge in AI-skilled individuals within India. According to the LinkedIn “Future of Work: State of Work @ AI report,” the number of Indians with AI skills skyrocketed by 14 times in June 2023 compared to January 2016. This surge has placed India among the top five nations experiencing a significant increase in AI talent, sharing the spotlight with Singapore, Finland, Ireland, and Canada.
LinkedIn’s study also highlighted that over the past year, a substantial 43 percent of the Indian workforce observed an increased utilization of AI in their workplaces. This surge in AI adoption prompted a notable response from the workforce. Approximately 60 percent of all workers and 71 percent of Generation Z professionals in India now recognize the potential career benefits of acquiring AI skills.
Furthermore, the report shed light on the evolving skills landscape in India. The study indicated that a majority of Indians—two out of three—expressed their intention to learn at least one digital skill in 2023. Among the most sought-after skills, AI and machine learning stood out prominently.
With the rise of AI skills, the study also analyzed the impact on the job market. It revealed that AI skills are increasingly influential in shaping job opportunities. In line with this trend, India’s business landscape is actively embracing AI. The report stated that in 2023, half of the top executives in India have plans to either upskill their current workforce with AI expertise or directly hire AI talent. Additionally, 57 percent of these executives are considering enhancing AI integration within their organizations in the following year.
The report emphasized that amidst this AI revolution, soft skills are playing a pivotal role. According to LinkedIn’s findings, 69 percent of professionals believe that skills such as creativity and problem-solving are crucial in offering fresh perspectives at work.
Ashutosh Gupta, LinkedIn India’s Country Manager, highlighted the significance of this trend. He stated, “As AI shapes the future of work, India recognizes the importance of human potential and the pivotal role that soft skills will play to build a world-class workforce of the future.” Gupta also noted the shift towards valuing more fulfilling, human-centric work.
Gupta urged leaders to prioritize skills-oriented hiring practices to tap into a broader talent pool, foster upskilling initiatives, and cultivate workforce agility. This approach, he suggested, would enable organizations to seize the opportunities presented by the AI-driven era while staying human-centric.