AI Investment Soars in India, Yet Job Redesign Fails to Keep Pace: Accenture
AI Investment Rises in India, Job Redesign Lags: Report

Indian business leaders are pushing ahead with artificial intelligence investments. They show strong confidence in the technology's potential. A new report from Accenture highlights this trend clearly.

Executives Plan Major AI Spending

Accenture's Pulse of Change survey reveals interesting numbers. Almost 88% of C-suite leaders in India want to increase their AI investments this year. That is a significant majority showing bullish sentiment.

The survey included 3,650 C-suite leaders and 3,350 non-C-suite employees. These individuals work for large organizations across 20 countries. Their responses paint a detailed picture of the current AI landscape.

Revenue Growth Drives Investment

Why are leaders so eager to spend on AI? For 69% of them, the technology represents a major source of revenue growth. They see it as more than just a tool for cost reduction. This perspective explains their willingness to allocate substantial resources.

About 64% of Indian leaders now prioritize AI investments. They are directing funds toward this transformative technology. Their commitment appears firm despite various challenges.

Talent Shortages Pose Challenges

Not everything is smooth sailing for AI adoption. The report identifies several hurdles organizations face. Talent shortages stand out as a primary concern.

Around 27% of executives cite skilled talent scarcity as a major challenge. They struggle to find people with the right AI expertise. This shortage could slow down implementation plans.

Job Redesign Lags Behind

Perhaps the most striking finding involves job redesign. Only 24% of Indian organizations have started continuous AI learning programs. Even fewer are actually redefining jobs to support AI adoption.

Less than 10% of companies are redesigning roles for the AI era. This gap between investment and structural change is concerning. Organizations pour money into technology but hesitate to reshape their workforce.

Widespread AI Adoption in India

AI has moved beyond experimentation in India. The technology now sees widespread enterprise adoption. Companies are integrating it into various operations.

About 41% of Indian organizations use AI agents to complete tasks. These automated systems handle different functions. Their deployment indicates growing comfort with AI solutions.

Furthermore, 24% of companies have deployed AI-powered end-to-end processes. They are building comprehensive systems around artificial intelligence. This represents a deeper level of integration.

Daily Use of Generative AI

Generative AI tools see regular use among leaders. More than one-third of C-suite executives use these tools daily. That is 39% of top management embracing cutting-edge AI applications.

Employees are also adopting AI tools. Approximately 47% of Indian workers now use AI to increase efficiency. They find practical applications for the technology in their daily tasks.

Workforce Training Shows Progress

Despite talent shortages, training efforts show positive results. Almost all organizations report their workforce now has necessary foundational AI training. Employees possess basic skills to use AI efficiently.

Workers recognize AI's potential too. About 83% of employees see the technology's capacity for business impact. They understand how it can transform operations and outcomes.

Preparedness for AI Disruption

How prepared are companies if the AI bubble bursts? The survey provides some answers. Only half of C-suite leaders would consider hiring more people in that scenario.

About 60% of Indian leaders remain willing to increase AI spending regardless. They show commitment to the technology's long-term potential. Their focus stays on investment rather than contingency planning.

Confidence Gaps in Other Areas

While bullish on AI, leaders express less confidence elsewhere. They show uncertainty about environmental and geopolitical disruptions. These external factors create additional challenges.

The report suggests organizations must address multiple fronts simultaneously. They need to invest in AI while managing broader business risks. Balancing these priorities requires careful strategy.

Accenture's findings highlight both enthusiasm and gaps in India's AI journey. Leaders push forward with investments but lag in workforce transformation. This disconnect could shape the technology's impact on the Indian economy.