India’s path to leveraging artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies for widespread impact depends on strengthening talent development, research, computing infrastructure, and institutional capabilities, reveals a KPMG analysis.
- Building talent and research capabilities is vital for AI leadership.
- Strong computing and data infrastructure underpin scalable tech solutions.
- Public digital platforms can transform economic activity and innovation.
What happened
A recent KPMG report details the foundational requirements India must address to convert advances in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into inclusive economic growth and improved public services. Key focus areas include developing a skilled workforce across research, engineering, data science, design, and technical fields, alongside enhancing research and development in academic and enterprise settings.
The report further emphasizes the importance of computing infrastructure and secure data ecosystems to support technology deployment at scale. It also highlights the need for enterprises—from startups to established firms—to build and expand technology-driven products, drawing parallels to India's success with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Why it matters
Technology advancements, particularly in AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, space, green hydrogen, and biotechnology, offer India transformative opportunities to boost its economic growth, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness on the global stage. However, without the concurrent development of talent, research, enterprises, and infrastructure, these new technologies risk failing to deliver their full potential impact.
The report stresses that technology’s ultimate value lies in real-world outcomes, underscoring the importance of ethical, secure, and inclusive implementation. India’s digital payment ecosystem serves as a blueprint for how well-designed digital public infrastructure can enable innovation, change user behavior, and drive widespread economic benefit.
What to watch next
India’s ability to expand its talent pool and enhance R&D capabilities will be critical in the coming years. Monitoring investments in university research, technological incubators, startup growth, and partnerships will provide insight into the country's trajectory in emerging technology sectors.
The evolution of computing and data infrastructure security, alongside the scaling of digital public platforms similar to UPI but focused on AI and other technologies, will signal progress. Additionally, governance frameworks ensuring responsible AI adoption and equitable technology access will be essential to watch as India seeks to maximize these innovations’ social and economic benefits.