Using advanced digital skills, such as cloud architecture or software development, Indian workers add an estimated US$507.9 billion (10.9 trillion) to the country’s annual gross domestic product, according to new research from Amazon Web Services (AWS) (GDP). This is explained by the fact that these workers make 92% more money per hour than people with comparable educations who do not use digital abilities.
AWS hired Gallup to perform the “Asia Pacific Digital Skills Study: The Economic Benefits of a Tech-Savvy Workforce,” which looked at the advantages of having a workforce that is tech-savvy for employees, businesses, and the overall economy. In India, 769 employers and over 2,000 (2,005) working adults from a range of public and private sector businesses and industries participated in the poll. The capacity to use email, word processors, other office productivity software, and social media are considered basic digital abilities according to the study. Data analysis, application troubleshooting, and drag-and-drop website creation are examples of intermediate digital skills. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and software or application development are examples of advanced digital abilities.
According to the research, advanced digital workers in India gain more than just an increase in pay. Compared to 74% of workers with intermediate skills and 70% of workers with basic skills, 91% of workers who use advanced digital skills report greater job satisfaction.
Employers who heavily depend on workers with advanced digital skills, digital technology, and cloud technology benefit from higher business growth and innovation. According to the study, 21% of Indian businesses that operate the majority of their operations in the cloud report an increase in annual revenue of at least double that of those businesses that use the cloud only occasionally or not at all. Additionally, companies using the cloud are 15% more likely than non-cloud organisations to have launched a new or improved product in the previous two years (95% vs. 80%).
The Gallup survey looked at 10 emerging technologies including AI, edge, quantum computing, blockchain, and cryptocurrency as many organisations get ready for the challenges of a digital future. At least one of these technologies is expected to become a standard component of future company operations, according to 92% of Indian employers, with 5G receiving the highest rating (78%).
“People in India are increasingly going digital, from the way they work to the way they live. This research shows that digital skills provide immense economic value to India at the individual, organizational, and macroeconomic level,” said Gallup Principal Economist, Dr. Jonathan Rothwell. “As more organizations move their IT to the cloud over the next decade and new technologies emerge, digitization is going to fuel a vast number of new jobs. The opportunity for India to be competitive in the digital economy depends on having a robust and highly skilled workforce to support current and future innovations.”
Demand for skilled digital workers will stay high in the upcoming years as businesses and governmental organisations across the globe continue to transform into digital enterprises. In a poll of employers in India, 93% said they were looking to fill positions requiring digital skills, but 88% claimed it was difficult to find the talent they required. The requirement for a bachelor’s degree by 60% of Indian companies, even for entry-level IT staff, may act as a barrier. However, more people are beginning to understand that accepting business certifications can make hiring easier. According to 91% of companies, digital certifications or training programmes can take the place of a bachelor’s degree.
“As the Gallup research shows, India has the opportunity to seize immense economic benefits from building a strong pipeline of cloud talent to support the country’s ongoing digital transformation. AWS is working with organizations such as Tech Mahindra Foundation, Perfios, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) to help bridge the digital skills gap. AWS has trained more than four million people with basic, intermediate, and advanced cloud skills in India since 2017, and our work doesn’t stop here,” said Amit Mehta, Head of Training and Certification, AWS India Private Limited.
“Digital skills drive tremendous gains for individuals, organizations, and economies, which is why AWS is committed to expanding our digital skills training programs for workers and employers across India. We are excited to continue to collaborate with local public and private sector employers to help them upskill and reskill their employees, and take full advantage of the cloud to accelerate their business growth, productivity, and innovation.”
“The shortage of tech talent is a global phenomenon. While it is good that India has the lowest tech talent demand-supply gap among the top tech locations, it is imperative for individuals and organizations to continue to invest in digital skills training, as technology will be the key differentiator when it comes to leading the world in innovation and digital transformation. Greater recognition of certifications can ease hiring challenges and there is a growing movement to shift from a pedigree-based hiring model to a skills-first model. The AWS Gallup Report correctly highlights the need for organizations to focus on a skills-based approach and work together to empower people with digital skills,” said Ms. Kirti Seth, CEO, Sector Skills Council, NASSCOM.
AWS is today introducing AWS re/Start Associate, a new route within the AWS re/Start programme to assist unemployed and underemployed IT professionals modernising their skills and pivoting to mid-level cloud jobs, to help workers in India acquire advanced skills to advance their careers. AWS is partnering with the non-profit education-to-employment organisation Generation India Foundation in India to locally implement the programme. Over 98% of graduates who participate in AWS re/Start, a free multi-week cohort-based workforce development programme, are connected to job interview possibilities.
“After graduating from university with a Bachelor’s in Forensic Science, I couldn’t find a job. But through the AWS re/Start program, I re-discovered my interest in tech and realized that cloud computing would offer me a more secure job. One year after graduation, I am working as a Senior Software Engineer at EaseMyTrip, a travel solutions company. I’m currently studying for my AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certification because it will help further my career in IT,” said Ms. Vishakha Priya, Senior Software Engineer, EaseMyTrip.