Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science, are set to generate approximately 1 million jobs by 2030, according to the latest report by Quess IT Staffing, a prominent provider of technology staffing solutions. The “Technology Skills Report, December 2024” highlights the ongoing growth in demand for skilled professionals across these sectors and predicts transformative shifts within India’s technology workforce.
The report underscores the growing influence of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning (ML), cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, and blockchain, all of which are rapidly reshaping industries with innovative applications. As industries evolve, the demand for professionals skilled in these areas is expected to surge significantly.
“India’s technology workforce is witnessing a transformative shift,” said Kapil Joshi, CEO of Quess IT Staffing. “The synergy of traditional skills like ERP (enterprise resource planning) with breakthrough technologies such as AI and ML, and even quantum computing, presents unparalleled opportunities for professionals to advance their careers in the coming years.”
Strategic investments in upskilling will be essential as the workforce adapts to the accelerating demand for AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing expertise. The report also projects that emerging technologies will contribute over $150 billion to India’s economy by 2030, cementing the country’s position as a global technology leader.
The overall workforce in India’s IT industry is expected to grow from 5.4 million to 7.5 million by 2030, with more than 2 million new jobs created. This growth will see a notable shift towards emerging technologies and high-demand industries, further solidifying India’s role as a key player in the global technology landscape.
In particular, sectors such as banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) are seeing significant investment in cybersecurity and blockchain technologies. These are crucial for ensuring secure transactions, fraud detection, and identity management. In addition, AI and ML are transforming customer interactions through advanced analytics and personalised services, especially in risk management and predictive analysis.
Healthcare is another sector benefiting from these innovations. AI and data science are driving advances in predictive analytics, personalised medicine, and telehealth services, which are revolutionising patient care and improving operational efficiency. Data science also plays a key role in drug discovery and patient data analysis, further showcasing the far-reaching impact of these technologies.
For retail and e-commerce industries, emerging technologies are enabling more personalised recommendations, streamlined inventory management, and dynamic pricing models. These developments are enhancing customer experience and optimising business operations, making these sectors more competitive in the digital age.
Blockchain technology, in particular, has seen remarkable growth. Global demand for blockchain roles increased by more than 76 per cent year-on-year in 2023. In India, blockchain-related hiring grew by 60 per cent between 2021 and 2023, driven by its adoption in BFSI, supply chain, healthcare, and IT services.
Cloud computing hiring also witnessed a significant rise globally, growing by 30-35 per cent year-on-year in 2023. This surge was largely driven by industries such as IT services, consulting, media, telecommunications (TMT), and automotive, all of which are rapidly embracing cloud-based solutions to stay competitive.
As the demand for skilled professionals in these emerging technologies continues to rise, Bengaluru remains the dominant hub for tech talent in India, contributing nearly half (43.5 per cent) of the country’s total tech demand. Other cities like Hyderabad (13.4 per cent) and Pune (10 per cent) follow closely, highlighting the spread of technology job opportunities across India’s urban centres.
The growing need for skilled workers in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science presents significant opportunities for professionals to future-proof their careers. As the industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve in these critical areas will be essential for anyone looking to thrive in India’s burgeoning technology sector.