According to a new survey by professional network LinkedIn, the number of individuals skilled in artificial intelligence (AI) in India has increased by a factor of 14 since January 2016. This surge has placed India among the top five countries for AI talent increase, alongside Singapore, Finland, Ireland, and Canada.

The survey, titled ‘Future of Work: State of Work @ AI,’ highlights the growing significance of AI in the world of work. It reveals that 70% of Gen-Z professionals in India believe that acquiring AI skills can advance their careers. Furthermore, 43% of the Indian workforce has experienced increased AI usage in their workplaces over the past year.

This heightened adoption of AI has motivated 60% of all workers and 71% of Gen-Z professionals in India to recognize the value of acquiring AI skills to enhance their career prospects. Aneesh Raman, Vice President of LinkedIn, emphasized the resilience of the Indian workforce in adapting to changes and stated that two-thirds of Indians have expressed their intention to learn at least one digital skill in 2023, with AI and machine learning being among the top skills of interest.

The impact of AI skills on the job market is becoming increasingly evident. In the APAC region, hiring AI talent has outpaced overall hiring in 2022. In India, this trend is expected to continue, with half of the country’s top executives planning to upskill or hire for AI talent this year. Additionally, 57% of executives are aiming to enhance AI use within their organizations in the coming year, indicating a proactive approach to reskilling existing workforces in AI skills.

Another noteworthy finding from the survey is the emphasis on soft skills, such as creativity and communications, in the age of AI. In India, 91% of top executives recognize the increased importance of these skills, surpassing the global average of 72%. Ashutosh Gupta, Country Manager at LinkedIn India, highlights the responsibility that leaders have in prioritizing skills-first hiring, as this can expand talent pools, boost upskilling efforts, and foster agility within their workforces.

Overall, the LinkedIn survey underscores the significant growth of AI skills in India and the recognition of their impact on career progression. As AI continues to gain prominence in the workplace, individuals and organizations alike are actively pursuing the acquisition of these skills to remain competitive and adaptable in the evolving job market.

Sources:
– ‘Future of Work: State of Work @ AI’ report by LinkedIn

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