Karnataka Pioneers AI Workforce Study to Shape Future Policy

In a pioneering move, the government of Karnataka has initiated a comprehensive study to assess the wide-ranging impacts of artificial intelligence on its substantial workforce. This proactive measure, spearheaded by the state's Department of Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, aims to furnish data-driven insights that will directly shape the forthcoming IT Policy 2025 and guide strategic interventions under the flagship skilling program, NIPUNA Karnataka.[1][2][3] The initiative underscores a growing recognition within the government of the urgent need to understand and adapt to the transformative pressures of AI, ensuring that the state's economic development remains both robust and inclusive.[3][4] As the undisputed technology and AI capital of India, with Bengaluru alone hosting over 100,000 AI professionals and ranking fifth globally in AI and Big Data ecosystems, Karnataka's approach to navigating the AI revolution is being closely watched.[1][2][5][3] The state's tech workforce has already surpassed one million professionals, making this study a critical step in safeguarding and future-proofing its most valuable asset: its human capital.[1][5][3]

The core of the initiative is the "AI Workforce Impact Survey," a detailed questionnaire soliciting responses from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including industry leaders, human resource heads, technology practitioners, and academics.[1][5][3][4] The survey is designed to capture a granular view of how AI is being integrated into the day-to-day operations of organizations across various sectors.[1][4] Key objectives include identifying which business functions are undergoing the most significant changes due to the proliferation of AI tools, pinpointing specific job roles that are most vulnerable to automation, and understanding the nature of workforce disruptions.[1][2][4] By collecting this data directly from the source, the government aims to move beyond speculation and build a solid foundation of evidence.[1][3] The findings are expected to be crucial in identifying emerging skill gaps, forecasting new job profiles, and designing practical, forward-looking policies that foster both innovation and workforce resilience.[1][2][6] The confidential and anonymous survey, open until June 27, 2025, is a call to action for the industry to collaborate with the government in creating a sustainable and equitable future.[2][5][3]

This evidence-based approach to policymaking is central to the government's strategy.[3][4] The insights gleaned from the study will not be an academic exercise; they are intended to directly inform the drafting of the state's new IT Policy, which is set to be finalized in July.[7] This policy is anticipated to mark a significant shift from its 2020-2025 predecessor, with a much stronger emphasis on AI integration and deep tech development.[7] Furthermore, the study's results will be instrumental in refining NIPUNA Karnataka, the state's ambitious reskilling and upskilling program.[1][5][6] Launched with an outlay of Rs 300 crore, with participation from major tech companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, NIPUNA Karnataka aims to prepare the state's youth for the jobs of the future.[5] By understanding the precise skills that will be in high demand and those that may become obsolete, the government can make smarter, more targeted investments in its skilling initiatives, ensuring that training programs are aligned with the evolving needs of the AI-driven economy.[1][6]

The context for this study is Karnataka's long-standing position as a leader in India's technological journey.[3][4] The state has consistently fostered a vibrant ecosystem for technology and innovation through public-private partnerships and proactive government policies.[8] Initiatives like the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) and the establishment of multiple Centres of Excellence (CoE), including a significant one for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with NASSCOM, have solidified its status as a global tech hub.[9][10][11][12] The government has also made substantial financial commitments, including a proposed Rs 50 crore Centre for Applied AI for Tech Solutions (CATS), a Rs 300 crore fund-of-funds for startups, and a Rs 100 crore fund dedicated to deep-tech enterprises.[7][13] These investments are part of a broader vision to not only maintain Bengaluru's status as a top global tech city but also to expand the digital economy to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi-Dharwad.[13] This strategy of "new economic accelerators beyond Bengaluru" aims to decentralize growth and address infrastructure challenges in rapidly expanding urban centers.[7][13]

In conclusion, Karnataka's decision to formally study the impact of AI on its workforce represents a critical and forward-thinking governance model. It moves beyond the common discourse of AI-induced job losses and instead seeks to proactively manage the transition by identifying concrete challenges and opportunities. By engaging directly with industry and academia, the government is fostering a collaborative approach to navigating one of the most significant economic transformations of our time. The findings of the AI Workforce Impact Survey will provide an invaluable roadmap, enabling policymakers to craft an IT policy and skilling programs that not only embrace technological innovation but also prioritize the well-being and future-readiness of its million-strong tech workforce.[1][3] This strategic, evidence-based initiative ensures that as industries are reshaped by artificial intelligence, the people of Karnataka are not left behind, solidifying the state's role as a pioneer in both technology and responsible governance.[1][5][6]