New Delhi: This is where India can build a moat with policy readiness to tackle the situation. With a focus on skilling, a younger demographic, and leading globally in the use of digital technologies and DPIs, India could navigate the challenges presented by AI better than other economies. Advanced economies will grapple with the ramifications of AI at a faster pace than their emerging market counterparts, primarily due to their skewed employment structure fixated on cognitive-intensive roles. These roles demand a high degree of cognitive skill, involving complex decision-making, problem-solving, and interaction with nuanced information – characteristics that AI can potentially augment or replace.

The intricate nature of these roles, often found in professions such as finance, law, and healthcare, renders advanced economies both vulnerable and poised for opportunities in the AI era. This shift is propelled by the very essence of cognitive-intensive tasks, where advanced economies find themselves on the frontline of AI integration.

In the Indian context, while the pace of this transformation may differ, understanding and preparing for the impact on cognitive-intensive roles becomes imperative. As India navigates this landscape, aligning skilling initiatives with the demands of AI and bolstering digital literacy can empower its workforce to harness the opportunities embedded in this technological evolution.

The IMF report elaborates that the unwavering patterns in AI exposure reveal that women and college-educated individuals face heightened exposure, although they are also strategically positioned to capitalise on AI benefits. Countries, including India, need to ready for an intensification of labour-income inequality if the synergy between AI and high-income workers becomes more pronounced, concurrently fuelling a surge in wealth inequality through increased capital returns. Yet, amidst these uncertainties, the prospect of substantial productivity gains could propel income levels higher.

As we navigate through this transformative era, the impact of AI on labour markets transcends mere job displacement. Individuals with higher education and younger demographics, adept at embracing new technologies, are likely to navigate this evolving job market more successfully. However, it is crucial to recognise that older workers may encounter difficulties in re-employment and adapting to technological changes. This underscores the significance of implementing inclusive policies and robust retraining initiatives to address the diverse needs of the workforce.

For India, a critical facet lies in crafting regulations that ensure fairness and equal access to the benefits of AI for all its citizens. Indian policymakers must proactively define AI property rights, making deliberate choices that promote inclusivity and prevent concentration of benefits in specific sectors or demographics. Moreover, redistributive fiscal policies can play a pivotal role in shaping income and wealth distribution, steering the benefits of AI toward a more equitable distribution across the socio-economic spectrum. Additionally, ensuring that AI-driven technologies are accessible to all segments of the population, irrespective of geographical or socio-economic factors, is paramount for fostering an inclusive digital revolution. This approach reinforces the notion that regulatory frameworks are not just tools for governance but critical instruments for shaping a future where AI serves as a catalyst for societal progress rather than a source of disparity.

India, with its significant demographic advantage of a youthful population, stands at a pivotal juncture to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for emerging tech-based entrepreneurs and startups. This strategic move could position India as a global hub for innovation and technology, fostering economic growth and enhancing its influence on the world stage. The innate tech-savviness of the country’s youth offers a unique foundation for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) as a potent driver of socio-economic progress.

To unlock this potential, India must strategically channel investments into skilling programs tailored to the demands of the digital economy. By nurturing a generation adept at cutting-edge technologies, India can propel itself to the forefront of AI adoption and innovation. Encouraging entrepreneurship in AI-centric industries, combined with creating an environment conducive to startups, can catalyse economic velocity, contributing significantly to India’s GDP.

“Make in India, for the world” should be the guiding principle, encouraging startups to not only meet domestic demands but also to export innovative solutions globally. This approach not only boosts economic growth but also elevates India’s technological influence on the world stage. The synergy between a young, tech-savvy workforce and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem can position India as a trailblazer in the global tech landscape, underlining its capacity to lead in AI innovation and contribute substantially to the world’s technological progress.

To fully realise the ambitious goal of positioning India as a global hub for AI innovation and tech-based entrepreneurship, a concerted effort must be made to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education across the country. Strengthening the foundation of STEM education is essential to equip the younger generation with the necessary skills and knowledge for active participation in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Investing in STEM education will not only bridge the existing skill gaps but will also cultivate a talent pool that is well-versed in the intricacies of emerging technologies like AI.

A robust STEM education framework, coupled with targeted skilling programs, will fortify India’s position in the tech ecosystem. It will amplify the nation’s potential to produce homegrown talent capable of steering AI-driven startups to success, fostering economic growth, and cementing India’s role as a technological powerhouse in the international arena. By addressing the foundational aspects of education, India can lay the groundwork for a sustainable and influential presence in the global technology landscape. Initiatives such as incentivising AI research, creating conducive ecosystems for startups, and promoting digital literacy will not only fortify India’s position in the global tech landscape but also cultivate a socio-economic environment where the benefits of AI are maximised for the entire population.

The complex interplay between technological innovation and socio-economic responsibility of policy making is a tough task master. Embracing a holistic approach that seamlessly integrates skilling, regulatory precision, and an unwavering commitment to social equality becomes the pillar for navigating this.

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone. The opinions and facts in this article do not represent the stand of News9.)

QOSHE - IMF report on AI and Jobs: Nudge to include, innovate and ignite - Srinath Sridharan
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IMF report on AI and Jobs: Nudge to include, innovate and ignite

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17.01.2024

New Delhi: This is where India can build a moat with policy readiness to tackle the situation. With a focus on skilling, a younger demographic, and leading globally in the use of digital technologies and DPIs, India could navigate the challenges presented by AI better than other economies. Advanced economies will grapple with the ramifications of AI at a faster pace than their emerging market counterparts, primarily due to their skewed employment structure fixated on cognitive-intensive roles. These roles demand a high degree of cognitive skill, involving complex decision-making, problem-solving, and interaction with nuanced information – characteristics that AI can potentially augment or replace.

The intricate nature of these roles, often found in professions such as finance, law, and healthcare, renders advanced economies both vulnerable and poised for opportunities in the AI era. This shift is propelled by the very essence of cognitive-intensive tasks, where advanced economies find themselves on the frontline of AI integration.

In the Indian context, while the pace of this transformation may differ, understanding and preparing for the impact on cognitive-intensive roles becomes imperative. As India navigates this landscape, aligning skilling initiatives with the demands of AI and bolstering digital literacy can empower its workforce to harness the opportunities embedded in this technological evolution.

The IMF report elaborates that the unwavering patterns in AI exposure reveal that women and college-educated individuals face heightened exposure, although they are also strategically positioned to capitalise on AI benefits. Countries, including India, need to ready for an intensification of labour-income inequality if the synergy........

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