Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been a topic of concern with regards to job displacement. However, Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India/South Asia, believes that AI will actually create more job opportunities than it destroys. Speaking to IANS, Patel emphasized the need for re-skilling and training to adapt to the changes that AI will bring.
Patel pointed out that historically, technological advancements have led to the decline of certain job sectors, but have also given rise to entirely new job categories. He stressed the importance of re-skilling to ensure that individuals are able to work with new AI and automation tools.
While 46 per cent of companies in India are currently training or re-skilling employees to work with automation and AI tools, Patel highlighted the need for more efforts in this area.
With the increasing integration of AI in the workforce, the question of how to train a vast pool of people arises. Patel acknowledged that not everyone can be a coder or AI developer, and emphasized the need for individuals to learn to work with these technologies as they evolve.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for IT and Skill Development, stressed the importance of developing technological talent to drive India’s progress in AI. He highlighted the need for universities to produce more masters and PhDs in AI, expressing that talent is a fundamental challenge in the field. He also emphasized the need for collaboration between the tech industry, academic institutions, and governments to shape the future pipeline of talent for AI-related jobs.
As the debate over AI’s impact on the job market continues, the need for re-skilling and training to work with new technologies becomes increasingly important. The reassurance from experts like Sandip Patel and the recognition of the talent challenge by Rajeev Chandrasekhar indicate the potential for AI to create new job opportunities while also highlighting the need for proactive measures to prepare the workforce for these changes.
