For decades, India has stood as a beacon of global technological progress. According to the 2020-21 All India Survey for Higher Education (AISHE), STEM enrollments, encompassing various academic levels, total nearly 94.69 lakh. This robust presence in STEM fields is a testament to India's rich pool of young talent, fostered by improved educational accessibility, a culture of innovation in schools, robust government support for the IT sector, and a societal preference for tech-driven careers. This surge in talent positions India to become a key supplier of 4.0 technology expertise worldwide, necessitating continued investment in capabilities across educational, governmental, and corporate sectors. The aim is to foster tech vocations that drive innovation, impacting businesses, society, and the end consumers of these advancements.

This transformational journey toward tech leadership demands a sustained commitment to fortify the foundation laid in nurturing India's tech capabilities. This involves strategic collaboration between educational institutions, government bodies, and businesses to channel resources effectively. By cultivating an environment that encourages innovation, India can drive technological advancements that not only serve business needs but also address societal challenges and resonate with the evolving demands of global consumers.

Why tech workers need to reinvent themselves

Automation is reshaping jobs worldwide, with a significant portion at risk of being automated. However, this shift highlights the increasing importance of human skills, pushing tech roles toward creativity and specialised tasks. Technology must embrace empathy, and understanding emotions and preferences, while demanding skills in AI and robotics. Beyond technical prowess, successful tech professionals now require problem-solving, communication, and adaptability across diverse fields for effective leadership and resilience in a rapidly evolving landscape.

HR practices that can nurture tech talent

"Developers today harness technical skills through diverse online platforms, offering accessible learning experiences. Yet, expertise in tech alone isn't enough—it's crucial to apply these skills purposefully. Future IT education may evolve to emphasise 4.0 tech and practical application. Programs supporting early career upskilling, like government-sponsored courses, are on the rise. Recognizing the synergy of artificial and creative intelligence is vital for nurturing talent. Corporates hold the key to training for the future, with HR initiatives fostering innovation and structured growth opportunities. Here are some practices that HR may follow:

Versatile learning pathways: Blend in-house training with certified external programs for continuous skill growth.

Expert guidance: Facilitate mentorship by senior tech professionals, enabling hands-on learning experiences.

Immersive participation: Offer chances to engage in tech events, hackathons, and seminars for practical exposure and networking.

Tailored growth trajectories: Design custom career paths, empowering transitions and specialised skill enhancement.

Fostering tech discourse: Cultivate a culture of curiosity via newsletters, forums, and knowledge-sharing programs.

Innovative initiatives: Drive innovation through ideation sessions, competitive challenges, and incentives for patents.

Inclusivity programs: Champion diversity with initiatives aimed at broadening the technology community.

Without a question, Industry 4.0 will be unlike anything we've seen before. Harnessing this power necessitates competent and agile IT workers, and India as a country has enormous potential to create that talent pool. Critically, the goal should be to prepare our technology professionals at all stages of their careers to flourish in the new technical landscape that is strongly associated with the problem that technology is expected to solve. Initiatives like VisionTechFest provide the ideal platform for connecting those who want to evolve with those who have the means to assist in that evolution. Exciting times lie ahead for India’s talent pool - and companies that invest in the change will be the first to reap the benefits.