The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a comprehensive report detailing key factors that are expected to shape the future of employment in India by the year 2030. Published on Wednesday, the 'Future of Jobs 2025' report examines the influence of geopolitical tensions, climate change mitigation efforts, and technological innovations on job markets. The study indicates that Indian businesses are poised to make substantial investments in robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence (AI), forecasting a significant transformation in the job landscape.
The report highlights that India is likely to experience the fastest growth in job roles including Big Data Specialists, AI and Machine Learning Specialists, as well as Security Management Specialists. These positions are anticipated to dominate the employment sector as various industries increasingly adopt emerging technologies.
The WEF report also reveals insights regarding hiring practices in India. It notes that 67% of Indian companies are focusing on diversifying their talent pools, which is considerably higher than the global average of 47%. Furthermore, about 30% of Indian businesses are moving towards skills-based hiring by eliminating traditional degree requirements, surpassing the global rate of 19%.
Beyond hiring trends, the report identifies major influences on the future workforce in India, such as enhanced digital access, rising geopolitical tensions, and various climate-mitigation efforts. Indian companies, similar to their international peers, are significantly investing in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and energy technologies. In particular, 35% of Indian employers expect advancements in semiconductors and computational technologies to revolutionise their operations, while 21% foresee pivotal developments in quantum computing and encryption.
Notably, the study reveals high engagement with AI initiatives, with 96% of Indian organisations already implementing AI programmes, outpacing the global average of 88%. The demand for skills in AI has surged, and India, alongside the United States, leads in generative AI training enrolments on platforms such as Coursera. The report indicates that corporate sponsorship has been vital in enhancing participation in these training programmes.
The research draws on the perspectives of over 1,000 enterprises that employ more than 14 million individuals worldwide. These companies have provided valuable insights into the evolving job market, shifting skill requirements, and workforce strategies necessary to navigate impending changes.
Additionally, the report touches on demographic shifts affecting the global labour market. As the workforce in higher-income countries dwindles due to aging populations, countries like India and those in Sub-Saharan Africa are projected to contribute nearly two-thirds of new entrants into the workforce in the approaching years.
Source: Noah Wire Services