The Widening Skill Divide

In a future where machines will increasingly replace humans, the existing work force needs reskilling and upskilling, not just to follow but to lead

 

India’s demographic dividend will not last long if we as a nation do not keep pace with next-generation technology skills or Digital Skills. It is a choice India has to make now, whether as a nation it wants to lead the digital revolution or be a follower.

We are looking at a future where physical and digital lines blur to enable an all-pervasive connected experience. This engaged worldview will not only require reskilling of human resources to front the digital revolution but also bring to the fore human-machine collaboration, where robots and drones will need reskilling as well as upskilling. Jobs will certainly be created, but in new areas. Deep learning, unlearning and adapting to a new normal will hold the key to the success of individuals and nations.

Disruptive technologies like Augmented Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, 5G and Internet of Things have been unleashed in the digital realm; it is up to us to ride the exponential growth wave they offer. Using these technologies innovatively will need a tremendous amount of expertise. It is in this context that India and the world at large are staring at a widening digital skill gap.

IS THERE A DIGITAL SKILL GAP?

A recent report by global research and advisory firm Gartner points out that almost 60 percent of Indian companies, while gearing up to boosting their data and analytics capabilities, are facing a severe challenge with non-availability of talent. The recent NITI Aayog National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence states that the country will have a demand-supply gap of almost 200,000 data analysts in a couple of years.