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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries across the world, providing unprecedented opportunities for innovation, efficiency and economic growth. However, in India, the severe lack of strong AI leadership is emerging as a key barrier to fully leveraging these opportunities.
This growing gap is not just a small hurdle but a major one with far-reaching implications. This is why industries are in dire need of developed AI courses to not only enhance individual capabilities but also to drive industry-wide innovation, boost efficiency, make informed decisions, and drive unprecedented growth.
According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy, of which $957 billion of potential impact would be in India alone. Yet, according to our recent survey with a sample size of nearly 2,500 respondents, it was found that 47% of senior executives at the leadership level are beginners in AI knowledge. This suggests a significant gap in AI proficiency among top leadership, highlighting the need for advanced training and upskilling. It is important for industry stakeholders to identify key areas of skill development and investment so that they can create a strategic roadmap to align with AI advancement and help ensure that India can capitalise on AI-driven growth and maintain its competitive edge on the global stage.
According to a survey by PwC India, the AI adoption rate in India has grown by over 45% in the last three years alone. This rapid adoption is transforming sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing, leading to significant improvements in operational efficiency, customer experience, and decision-making processes. For example, AI-powered predictive maintenance in manufacturing can reduce equipment downtime by up to 30%, and in retail, AI-powered personalization can increase sales by 20-30%.
However, the true potential of AI can only be unlocked through strategic planning and implementation, which requires skilled leadership. Effective AI leaders mean being able to integrate AI technologies into business strategies, ensuring that AI initiatives align with organizational goals and expected outcomes.
Despite the obvious benefits, India faces significant challenges in developing AI leadership. One of the primary issues is the lack of comprehensive AI education and practical learning opportunities. While there are numerous AI courses available, many of them are theoretical and do not provide the practical skills needed to lead AI projects. Furthermore, traditional sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture are slow to adopt AI, partly due to cultural resistance and a lack of understanding of the potential benefits.
Additionally, the pace of technological change has outpaced the pace at which traditional academic institutions can update their curricula. This lag results in a workforce that is not adequately prepared to meet the demands of modern AI applications. Furthermore, many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), lack the resources to invest in AI training and development for their employees.
If you think skill development is the only challenge, you are probably wrong. By neglecting and underestimating the power of strong AI leadership, we are looking at long-term drawbacks for India’s economy. Without skilled leaders to drive AI adoption, businesses risk falling behind in innovation, losing competitive advantage, and missing out on significant revenue opportunities. According to Accenture, companies that invest in AI and human-machine collaboration can increase their revenue by 38% by 2022. However, without proper leadership, these potential gains may remain unrealized.
Furthermore, the lack of AI leadership hinders the development of a strong AI ecosystem in India. This limits the ability of Indian businesses to compete globally, attract international investment, and collaborate on cutting-edge AI research. This gap not only affects individual businesses but also poses a threat to the country’s overall economic growth and its position as a global technology leader.
To bridge this gap, it is necessary to include AI modules in higher education and government skilling programmes. Universities and technical institutes should offer specialised AI courses that combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Government initiatives such as IndiaAI should focus more on creating AI centres of excellence and funding AI research and development.
Upskilling existing leaders is an equally important aspect. Companies should invest in continuous learning programs and workshops to help their executives stay updated and relevant in the industry. Collaborating with global experts and organizations can also provide valuable insights and best practices to develop strong AI leadership.
However, government support remains the most important aspect in this endeavour. Policies that encourage AI research and development, provide tax benefits for AI investments and create a favourable environment for AI start-ups can lead to significant progress. Public-private partnerships can also play an important role in promoting AI innovation and leadership.
Several Indian companies have successfully implemented AI, serving as exemplary models. For example, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) uses AI to optimize supply chain operations, resulting in a 20% reduction in logistics costs. The government’s AI initiative in agriculture, where AI-powered systems help farmers with crop health monitoring and yield forecasting, demonstrates the transformational potential of AI when guided by strong leadership.
Moreover, Bhashini launched by the Indian government is a testament to how AI can be used to overcome language barriers and improve communication. Bhashini is an AI-based language platform that can translate and transliterate content in real-time across various Indian languages. This initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also opens up new avenues for businesses to reach a wider audience, thereby boosting economic growth.
Senior executives should look to these examples for inspiration and practical insights. Adopting best practices such as fostering a culture of innovation, investing in AI talent, and staying informed about global AI advancements can help develop strong AI leadership within their organizations.
The severe lack of AI leadership in Indian business is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. By integrating AI education into higher education, skilling current leaders and boosting government support, India can develop the AI leadership needed to drive innovation, economic growth and global competitiveness. The long-term benefits are clear: increased business efficiency, increased income and building an India for the world to watch.
This article is written by Mayank Kumar, Co-founder and Managing Director, upGrad.
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