India at the forefront of the AI and tech revolution: Key insights from new global labor report

India is emerging as a global leader in preparing its workforce for the disruptions brought by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

According to the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) report, Navigating Tomorrow: Mastering Skills in a Dynamic Global Labor Market, India’s workers are at the forefront of adapting to the changing job landscape, positioning the country as a key player in the global labor market transformation.

India’s Commitment to Upskilling

The rapid pace of technological advancements is reshaping the global job market, and India is responding proactively. The report highlights that over 70% of Indian professionals are actively seeking opportunities to upskill, setting the country apart as a leader in workforce development. With AI, machine learning, and automation becoming integral to India’s job market, workers are eager to ensure their skills remain relevant in an evolving economy.

Key Insights from the Report

Trust in Government Support for Up skilling

While global trust in government initiatives to support up-skilling is relatively low, Indian workers exhibit significantly higher confidence. The report reveals that 31% of Indian respondents trust their government to support workforce development, a much higher figure than countries like the USA (15%) and the UK (12%). Additionally, 49% of Indian workers express confidence in businesses to contribute to skill development, highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration.

Urgency for Reskilling Amid Technological Change

Technological disruptions are creating a sense of urgency among Indian workers. Over half (55%) fear that their skills could become obsolete within the next five years due to AI and automation. This concern mirrors global trends, with similar worries expressed by 61% of workers in Brazil and 60% in China. However, developed nations like the UK (44%) and Australia (43%) report lower levels of concern, highlighting the increased urgency felt in emerging markets.

Climate Change as a Factor in Reskilling

In a notable regional trend, climate change plays a significant role in influencing reskilling efforts in India. 32% of Indian respondents identify environmental concerns as a major driver for reskilling in the next five years. This aligns India with countries like China (41%) and Vietnam (36%), where environmental challenges are seen as crucial for workforce adaptation. In contrast, developed markets like the UK (14%) and the USA (18%) show less emphasis on climate-related skills development.

Barriers to Skill Development: Time and Financial Constraints

Despite strong interest in upskilling, significant barriers persist. 40% of Indian workers cite a lack of time as the primary obstacle to reskilling, while 38% mention financial constraints. Similar challenges are reported in countries like Brazil and South Africa, whereas workers in developed markets like Norway (27%) and the UK (31%) report fewer barriers, underscoring the disparities in access to upskilling resources between emerging and developed economies.

STEM, Cognitive, and Socio-Emotional Skills in Demand

The report also highlights the skills most in demand for the future workforce. In India and the wider Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, cognitive skills (54%) and STEM capabilities (38%) are seen as essential for future success. This reflects a growing demand for expertise in AI, data science, and other technology-driven fields. In contrast, workers in service-oriented economies like the USA and the EU prioritize socio-emotional skills, with 39% and 41% respectively emphasizing their importance. Meanwhile, in regions like Africa and Latin America, entrepreneurial skills are more valued, particularly in Africa, where 47% of workers see entrepreneurship as vital.

India’s Optimistic Outlook on Automation

India stands out for its relatively optimistic outlook on job automation. Only 26% of Indian respondents express concern about losing their jobs to machines, a notably lower figure compared to China, where 36% of workers fear job displacement. This more positive perspective suggests that Indian workers are confident in their ability to adapt and reskill in response to technological advancements. Similarly, workers in Brazil (35%) and South Africa (37%) share this pragmatic outlook, in contrast to higher levels of anxiety in developed markets.

India’s Position in the Global Context

India’s proactive stance on upskilling, with 55% of workers expressing urgency to reskill in the next five years, places it ahead of developed markets like the US (51%), UK (44%), and Australia (49%). The relatively low level of concern around automation (26%) further demonstrates India’s confident approach to technological disruption, signaling a readiness to navigate the AI-driven future.

The findings of this report will be further explored at the second edition of the Global Labor Market Conference, set to take place at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center in Riyadh on January 29-30, 2025.