Ashok Krish, Global Head of AI at TCS, asserts that AI should be seen as a skills transformer and not a job threat. He highlights the necessity of viewing AI as a board-level transformation. The technology is self-reinforcing and is poised to impact various industries significantly, requiring ongoing skill upgrades and adaptations in the workforce.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often misunderstood as a job killer, but Ashok Krish, Global Head of AI at TCS, argues otherwise. In a recent interview with PTI, Krish proposed that AI should be perceived as a tool for enhancing skills, not as a threat to employment. He pointed out that companies recognizing AI’s potential as a corporate-level priority, rather than just an IT phase, are experiencing the most significant implementations.
Disruptive technology has been part of the workforce for decades, with each wave—from the internet to cloud systems—stirring concerns about the future. Krish insists AI is merely the next development in this progression, destined to foster more innovation. He states, “I think it’s wrong to look at it through the lens of job loss and it is more an opportunity to transform skill.”
The potential of AI is tied to current geopolitical and economic fluctuations. But, Krish reassures that economic cycles are familiar, and AI’s self-reinforcing nature could accelerate its progress. “Disruptive technologies tend to adapt. Progress in AI exponentially improves progress in AI. It is very self-referential,” he explains. Essentially, while the workload may change, the demand for technology will only grow.
He elaborates that efficiency improvements may figure drastically in project management—what used to require a team of 100 might only necessitate 50, and those workers will engage in diverse, new services. Upskilling is vital, as the fast-paced tech landscape propels a constant reevaluation of skill relevance, pushing people to adapt quickly.
In Krish’s view, AI stands out as the largest tech disruption of the past decade, maybe even in history. He emphasizes it as a democratizing force, granting broader access to skills and knowledge. Coupled with humanoid robotics, AI is poised to reshape industries profoundly.
Looking at adoption, Krish notes a stark transformation over just 18 months. Initially limited to small projects in fields like healthcare or insurance, today, AI is omnipresent in major deals across various sectors. “AI is infused into everything that we do at TCS. Be it business services, IT, or cybersecurity, AI is everywhere,” he mentioned.
When speaking about specific industries, banking, financial services, and healthcare have led the way in adopting AI, particularly in groundbreaking sectors like drug discovery. But it’s not just these industries—manufacturing and high-tech sectors are swiftly catching up. “While most funding started with banking and healthcare, other industries are now not far behind,” Krish observed.
AI’s evolution signifies not just a technological shift, but a profound cultural transformation that alters workplace dynamics and expectations alongside its integration into everyday operations.
In essence, AI is reframed as a pivotal force for skills enhancement rather than a threat to jobs. With its rapid integration into various sectors, the tech landscape is indeed shifting towards a new era. The emphasis on continuous reskilling in response to AI advancements will define the future of work. As industries adapt and evolve, AI’s role as a democratizing agent shall not be underestimated.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
