In a recent report by LinkedIn titled "Future of Work: State of AI @ Work," it was revealed that the younger generation in India, specifically Gen Z (born after the mid-1990s), is 1.3 times more likely to acquire artificial intelligence (AI) skills compared to their Gen X counterparts (born from 1965 to 1980). The report also indicates a remarkable 2.4 times higher interest in AI skills among Gen Z compared to Baby Boomers (born from 1946 to 1964).

According to the report, Gen Z professionals in India are dedicating 73 per cent more time to learning AI skills on LinkedIn compared to other generations. The data, compiled from December 2022 to September 2023, suggests a growing trend in the younger generation's enthusiasm for acquiring AI-related knowledge.

Global Conversations on AI Grow by 70%

LinkedIn's report further highlighted that global conversations around generative AI have surged by 70 per cent. This growth spans across genders, generations, occupations, and industries, indicating a widespread interest in AI technologies. The report suggests that as we move into 2024, AI is leading a workplace transformation akin to the growth fueled by the internet in the '90s. Upskilling is now imperative, with a renewed focus on cultivating essential human skills such as leadership and problem-solving to harness AI's full potential, according to Ashutosh Gupta, Country Manager, LinkedIn India.

Diverse Interest in AI Across Generations

The report outlines variations in interest in AI skills across different generations. While AI and generative AI technologies are still considered novel by many, conversations around them are prominent across genders, generations, occupations, and industries. Millennials constitute 45 per cent of the global conversation on AI, followed by Gen Z at 26 per cent, Gen X at 21 per cent, and Boomers at 4 per cent. In terms of gender representation, men dominate AI discussions with a 58 per cent contribution, while women account for 32 per cent.

Global Surge in Dedication to AI Learning

The report indicates that professionals worldwide are dedicating more time and effort to acquiring AI skills, with an almost 80 per cent surge in members engaging with AI-related courses on LinkedIn Learning this quarter. In India, the skills of choice vary among different generations, with Gen Z focusing on digital expertise such as Programming Languages, Cloud Computing, and Data Analysis, while Millennials and Gen X prioritize soft skills like Leadership and Management, Personal Effectiveness, and Personal Development.

AI-Related Jobs and Skills in High Demand

From December 2022 to September 2023, the report shows a 12 per cent increase in views for AI and AI-related jobs across seven major economies, including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, the UK, and the US. This surge is defined by job titles containing AI or Machine Learning and/or requiring AI skills. Simultaneously, applications to AI and AI-related job postings globally have seen a parallel growth of 11 per cent during this period.

In India, there was a six per cent increase in views of AI jobs and a five per cent increase in applications during the same period. The demand for AI-related roles in India has seen a notable surge, with professional services leading the pack, followed closely by IT, media, financial services, administrative and support services, and manufacturing.

The report concludes that companies are not only seeking AI skills for technical roles but are also integrating professionals with AI literacy into non-technical positions, such as Supply Chain Specialist, Sustainability Manager, and Sales Manager. Overall, the demand for AI skills and AI literacy is on the rise, indicating a transformative shift in the job market influenced by the growing prominence of artificial intelligence.