India Faces Massive Tech Skill Gap as AI and Automation Demand Soars
India is grappling with a significant technology skill gap as the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and automation continues to soar. According to research by ServiceNow and Pearson, around 16.2 million workers in India will need to reskill and upskill, while an additional 4.7 million new technology jobs will be created.
Job postings in India requiring ServiceNow platform technical skills witnessed a remarkable 39% growth in the past year — the highest globally, as shown by labor market data from Lightcast. Bengaluru, in particular, has emerged as the city with the highest demand for talent.
To meet the growing tech deficit, India’s digital skill ecosystem is set to expand. ServiceNow’s research highlights the need for 75,000 application developers, 70,000 data analysts, 65,000 platform owners, 65,000 product owners, and 55,000 implementation engineers by 2027.
In an effort to bridge the demand-supply gap, the research by ServiceNow analyzed India’s current workforce status, the impact of AI and automation across various industries, and formulated a roadmap for equipping the workforce with the necessary digital skills.
India’s decision makers and industry stalwarts understand the potential of AI. The pace of progress has never been swifter, with businesses driving large-scale transformation across diverse industry sectors that will play a decisive role in India’s rise towards a $1 trillion digital economy, said Kamolika Gupta Peres, Managing Director of ServiceNow Indian subcontinent.
As India forges ahead in its digital transformation journey, the importance of reskilling and upskilling the workforce cannot be understated. By embracing AI and automation, businesses across industries can harness their full potential and contribute to India’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion digital economy.
With the rapid advancement of technology, it is crucial for Indian decision-makers to invest in building a robust digital skill ecosystem. By preparing workers for the future, India can bridge the tech skill gap and propel itself onto the global stage as a leader in AI and automation.
The collaboration between ServiceNow and Pearson in conducting this research demonstrates a shared commitment to address the challenges posed by AI and automation. By equipping individuals with the necessary digital skills, India can ensure that its workforce remains competitive and ready for the opportunities of the future.
In conclusion, India’s tech skill gap presents both challenges and opportunities. As the demand for AI and automation continues to surge, it is imperative for India to reskill and upskill its workforce while creating new technology jobs. With proper investment and strategic planning, India can position itself as a global powerhouse in the digital economy and reap the benefits of this technological revolution.
