INDIA’S AI ADOPTION CHALLENGES – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NEWS: As artificial intelligence becomes all-pervasive, transforming a cross-section of verticals, businesses and organisations face several roadblocks in its adoption

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Roadblocks in AI Adoption

  • Skilled Manpower Shortage:
    • Severe lack of skilled personnel has forced many organizations to pause or cancel AI projects.
    • Around 31% of Indian businesses lack the talent required to develop AI.
  • Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks:
    • Security vulnerabilities, hacking, and privacy risks are significant concerns for organizations using AI.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty:
    • Evolving compliance requirements create complexities in AI integration and governance.

Governance Challenges in AI Adoption

  • Skill Gap and Project Stalling:
    • 20% of businesses in India have stalled 51–100 AI projects at the planning stage due to a skills gap.
    • 12% of businesses have entirely scrapped AI projects.
  • Adoption of Ready-Made AI Solutions:
    • Companies are shifting toward pre-built AI solutions to expedite deployment and achieve ROI.
  • Confidence and Trust Issues:
    • 41% of senior managers and 38% of employees lack confidence in AI systems.
    • 16% of businesses report customer trust concerns, leading to reduced investments in AI (57% of respondents).

Security and Privacy Concerns

  • Cyber Threats:
    • 92% of Indian executives cite hacking and other vulnerabilities as primary concerns in AI usage.
  • Privacy Risks:
    • 91% of executives express significant concerns about the misuse of sensitive data in AI systems.
  • Need for Robust Frameworks:
    • Calls for strong cybersecurity measures and privacy protections to mitigate risks.

Regulatory and Legal Barriers

  • Uncertainty in Compliance:
    • 89% of executives report challenges arising from unclear or evolving regulatory requirements.
  • Legal and Ethical Concerns:
    • 32% of Indian executives identified regulatory and ethical risks as significant barriers.
  • Governance Gaps:
    • Only 1 in 10 organizations have proper governance structures to ensure trustworthy AI.

Technology Integration Challenges

  • System Compatibility:
    • Nearly 50% of surveyed leaders struggle to integrate AI with existing systems.
  • Awareness and Upskilling:
    • 35% of leaders highlight insufficient knowledge of AI’s potential, emphasizing the need for upskilling.
  • Readiness for AI:
    • Organizations face difficulties in aligning AI technologies with operational needs.

Building Trust in AI Systems

  • Proactive Risk Management:
    • Governance should move beyond compliance to foster accountability and innovation.
  • Transparency and Accountability:
    • Organizations must enhance resilience against security vulnerabilities and adapt to changing regulations.
  • Focus on Trust:
    • Trust-building efforts are essential for widespread AI adoption and reducing privacy concerns.

Expert Insights

  • Jayant Saran, Partner at Deloitte India:
    • Advocates for a balanced approach to AI governance that fosters innovation while ensuring accountability and transparency.
    • Emphasizes the critical importance of addressing security, privacy, and regulatory challenges.

 

Conclusion

  • Key Takeaways:

·         AI adoption in India faces challenges from skill shortages, security threats, and regulatory ambiguities.

·         Addressing these challenges requires robust governance frameworks, proactive risk management, and efforts to build trust.

  • Path Forward:

·         Upskilling, adopting pre-built solutions, and fostering trust through transparency and security are critical for overcoming these barriers.

Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/ai-adoption-in-india-faces-challenges-such-as-skills-gap-cybersecurity-risks-and-regulatory-uncertainties-hindering-implementation-and-trust/article68995100.ece#:~:text=The%20research%20highlights%20critical%20gaps,data%20as%20an%20additional%20obstacle