IIMA Report Urges AI Upskilling Amid High Workforce Readiness for AI-Driven Change

Key findings indicate that 55% of surveyed employees have already used AI tools at their workplaces, and 72% believe that AI enhances their work performance.

The Brij Disa Centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CDSA) at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), in collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation, has released a comprehensive report detailing the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on India’s white-collar workforce.

The report, titled “Labour-force Perception about AI - A Study on Indian White-collar Workers,” reveals a growing readiness among employees to embrace AI-driven transformations while also highlighting a critical gap in AI education and upskilling.

Key findings indicate that 55% of surveyed employees have already used AI tools at their workplaces, and 72% believe that AI enhances their work performance. However, the report also underscores the urgency of addressing the gap in AI education, particularly among recent graduates and entry-level workers, to ensure they are equipped for the AI era.

Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIMA, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “The AI age is upon us, and its influence is growing significantly within the workforce and across various industries. This report provides critical insights into the growing awareness and adoption of AI by employees and businesses for long-term success.”

The report is among the earliest studies on AI’s impact on India’s workforce and offers valuable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and academia to inform strategic planning and workforce development initiatives. The findings are based on interviews with 31 business executives, a survey of over 550 white-collar employees, and an analysis of more than 70,000 job vacancies in India.

The report was co-authored by a team of experts from IIMA, including Professor Anindya Chakrabarti, who noted, “AI is a strategic imperative for India, critical for maintaining and enhancing its economic competitiveness. The high adoption rate of AI tools by the white-collar workforce is a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of AI advancement.”

This report calls for national-level AI-centric coordination to foster collaboration among academia, industry, and government, ensuring a balanced approach to productivity growth and economic development.