Dr. Anand Deshpande, Managing Director of Persistent Systems, has stressed that India needs to make significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) to fully capitalize on the technological wave reshaping global business and employment. Speaking after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Software Exporters Association of Pune (SEAP), Deshpande highlighted that AI represents the current major technological opportunity worldwide, with new job prospects and enterprise use cases expanding rapidly. He argued that India’s IT sector has already made commendable progress, but future growth will increasingly depend on deep engagement with AI technologies.
Deshpande outlined how the evolution of technology has progressed through distinct waves — from connectivity to platforms and systems — with the current wave driven by consumer‑facing AI and generative AI applications. According to him, enterprises across industries are exploring AI to enhance efficiency and create competitive advantage, and this trend will continue for many years, underscoring the need for proactive investment and strategic focus. This, he said, would allow Indian companies not only to adopt AI tools but to shape future innovations and job creation.
During his remarks, he also pointed to the vast potential of AI to create employment opportunities, noting that despite global concerns about automation, the technology is likely to generate new roles as businesses integrate AI into products and services. By investing in AI skills and infrastructure, India can prepare its workforce to participate more fully in the next phase of digital transformation. With AI expected to remain a driving force in technology and business for decades, early and deep investment could secure long‑term benefits for the country’s economy and global competitiveness.
Dr. Deshpande’s comments reflect a broader push within India’s tech ecosystem for greater emphasis on AI capacity building and innovation. Industry experts and reports have also underscored the importance of expanding AI infrastructure, talent development, and supportive policy frameworks if India is to capture the economic value AI promises and avoid lagging behind peer nations.
