According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in its latest “Future of Jobs” report, employers in India are poised to surpass global adoption rates of emerging technologies. Companies in India are making significant investments in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, energy technologies, and autonomous systems. The report highlights that 35% of Indian employers believe adopting semiconductors and computing technologies will transform their operations, far exceeding the 20% global average. Additionally, 21% of Indian employers see quantum and encryption technologies playing a transformative role, compared to only 12% globally.
The WEF report also identifies India’s fastest-growing job roles, including big data specialists, AI and machine learning experts, and security management professionals, aligning with global trends. To meet growing talent demands, Indian companies are increasingly tapping into diverse talent pools (67% versus 47% globally) and implementing skills-based hiring practices by eliminating degree requirements (30% compared to 19% globally).
India is also at the forefront of AI skills development, with corporate sponsorship driving significant uptake in Generative AI training, compared to individual-driven demand in the US. The report highlights that digital access, geopolitical tensions, and climate mitigation efforts will be key factors influencing job growth in India by 2030.
Regarding demographic trends, India is expected to contribute substantially to the global workforce, particularly as countries with a demographic dividend, such as India and Sub-Saharan Africa, are projected to supply two-thirds of the new workforce entrants in the coming years. This shift is due to the aging population in high-income nations and a growing working-age population in lower-income countries.
On the global stage, the WEF predicts that 170 million jobs will be created by 2030, but 92 million jobs will be displaced, leaving a net increase of 78 million new jobs. Technological innovations, demographic shifts, and economic pressures are expected to reshape industries, with farmworkers, agricultural workers, delivery drivers, software developers, and caregivers experiencing job growth. In contrast, roles like cashiers and administrative assistants will continue to decline as GenAI transforms the labor market.
The report further points out that the skills gap remains the largest barrier to business transformation, with 40% of job-required skills expected to change and 63% of employers already recognizing it as a critical challenge.
