India Leads Global South in Workforce Adaptation to AI and Technology

A recent report unveiled at the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) has highlighted India’s significant role in workforce adaptability, particularly in the face of challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation and titled ‘Navigating Tomorrow: Mastering Skills in a Dynamic Global Labor Market’, the report positions India as a leader in skill development and a crucial player in the Global South’s response to the technological revolution.

Trust in Government and Businesses

The report reveals that Indian workers exhibit a relatively high level of trust in their government’s ability to support upskilling initiatives. While global confidence in governments remains low at 20%, 31% of Indian respondents expressed trust, second only to Saudi Arabia at 35%. Furthermore, 49% of Indian workers reported confidence in businesses to facilitate workforce development, underscoring the private sector’s vital role in this transformation.

The urgency of reskilling due to rapid technological advancements is palpable, with 55% of Indian workers concerned that their skills will become obsolete within the next five years. This concern aligns with global trends observed in Brazil (61%) and China (60%) but is notably higher than in developed markets such as the UK (44%) and Australia (43%).

Climate Change as a Reskilling Motivator

The report also highlights climate change as a significant motivator for skill development in India, with 32% of Indian workers identifying it as a factor influencing their reskilling decisions over the next five years. This trend is closely aligned with countries like China (41%) and Vietnam (36%) but is less pronounced in the US (18%) and the UK (14%).

Despite their proactive approach, Indian workers face considerable barriers to upskilling. The report identifies lack of time (40%) and financial constraints (38%) as primary challenges. These obstacles are similar to those faced by workers in Brazil and South Africa but are less prevalent in developed economies like Norway and the UK, where stronger institutional support systems provide greater access to training opportunities.

Indian workers, along with their counterparts in the Asia-Pacific region, are prioritizing cognitive skills (54%) and STEM capabilities (38%) as essential for thriving in a technology-driven economy. This focus contrasts with service-oriented economies such as the US and the EU, where socio-emotional skills are more highly valued.

India’s workforce demonstrates a balanced approach to adapting to an AI-driven future. The report notes that 55% of Indian workers are prioritizing upskilling in the next five years, surpassing figures in developed markets like the US (51%) and the UK (44%). Additionally, only 26% of Indian respondents expressed anxiety about job automation, compared to 36% in China, indicating a more optimistic outlook among Indian professionals.