The US’ and India’s job markets are the most prepared to recruit graduates into AI, digital, and green jobs according to the QS World Future Skills Index.
In the Future of Work indicator, the US has a score of 100 and leads the world, with India scoring 99.1 and placing second.
What is Future of Work?
The Future of Work indicator measures the readiness of a country’s job market to recruit for the most in-demand skills of the future.
The QS World Future Skills Index looks at the volume of job postings seeking innovative skills, and compares the prevalence of future skills compared to traditional skills in job listings to see how the labour market is shifting to meet the demands of future industries.
Using QS World Future Skills Index data, we can see the countries that are most prepared for the future of work. Job listings are a strong indicator of a job market’s maturity. A high volume of job postings seeking AI, digital and green skills shows that a country has businesses that are ready to innovate, or are already doing so.
The Indian job market is primed to recruit graduates into AI, digital, and green jobs
Ranking just behind the US in second place, India is one of the leading nations in contributing to the future of work. The IBM Global AI Adoption Index – Enterprise Report highlights India as a leading nation in the active deployment of AI in business operations, with a notable 59% of companies actively using AI. This aligns closely with the Future of Work indicator, where India scores 99.1. Such a high score reflects India’s readiness to integrate AI into the workforce, suggesting a strong market for skilled graduates.
Despite a global decline in venture capital (VC) funding, India has maintained its status as the second-largest destination for VC and growth funding in the Asia Pacific region. This resilience underscores the country’s robust investment ecosystem, which is crucial for fostering innovation and creating future-ready job opportunities.
The India Venture Capital Report 2024 by Bain & Company highlights several factors that position India favourably for the future of work and contribute to its strong performance in the Future of Work Index. The report notes a shift in investor focus towards traditional sectors with strong fundamental tailwinds, such as banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and healthcare. Additionally, emergent themes like electric mobility and Generative AI have gained traction.
These developments indicate a dynamic economic environment that is adapting to new technologies and industries, thereby preparing the workforce for future demands. Ongoing investment in diverse sectors contributes to a robust job market and enhances the country’s readiness for future work scenarios.
For more details on India’s performance in the QS World Future Skills Index, read our India Spotlight. For a global analysis, read the briefing paper:
