75% of Indians Fear Tech Could Replace Jobs, Demand Upskilling

Technology fears drive 75% of Indians to upskill themselves for job security

According to research released on Monday, almost three out of four Indian professionals are concerned that technology could eventually replace their work. The people who work in the financial, insurance, software, IT, healthcare, and manufacturing industries are the ones who are most worried about tech taking their jobs.

In the survey by Emeritus titled Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2023, the most in-demand subjects for professionals include digital marketing, data analytics, finance, management, and artificial intelligence (AI).

According to a report from the World Economic Forum published in 2020, at least 40% of all employees worldwide would require new skills in the upcoming years and "will be expected to perform distinct roles within their companies" due to technology breakthroughs that are reshaping every industry. According to a McKinsey Survey, 92% of Indians concur that they have a skill gap that affects their ability to get employment.

The report claims that professionals from all industries are taking a great interest in strengthening their command of technology, which is evidence of digital disruption across sectors.

While 94% of software and IT professionals and 93% of those working in technology and innovation were interested in upgrading their skills in tech-related areas, 86% of professionals in the manufacturing sector also expressed an interest in learning how to use technological tools.

Higher Education

Among those who work in professional services and consulting, 85% expressed interest in continuing their education. It was 77% for those working in software and IT services. About 76% of manufacturing professionals pursued additional education to maintain adaptability to global trends.

We learn from Indian professionals in various fields that there is a rising worry about job replacement brought on by technology disruptions. However, it is good to see that 83% of the respondents from India are interested in upgrading their skills through a recognized learning provider since it would help them reach their professional goals, according to Mohan Kannegal, CEO of India and APAC, Emeritus.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Leeds Illuminate, Prosus Ventures, Sequoia Capital India, Bertelsmann, Accel, and SoftBank Vision Fund 2 are among the investors who support Emeritus.