Understanding the Growth of India as a Booming IT Hub

India’s surge in economic growth, bolstered by strong political will and robust private investments, has catalyzed substantial technology investments, morphing the nation into a hub of high-skilled expertise. This evolution has not only spurred job creation but has also markedly enhanced productivity, positioning India as a fertile ground for future technological advancements, thanks to its vast pool of talented professionals and a conducive business environment.

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India’s service exports have grown 14% over the past two decades, reaching US$254.5 billion in 2021-22.  The majority of these exports are from IT Services and BPO services, with US$157b in 2021-22. Global corporations are leveraging Indian talent through their capability centers, employing over 5 million people.  

India’s potential as a hub for technology and innovation is highlighted by CXOs focusing on Global Central Banks (GCCs) for a competitive edge.  

As Asia is set to drive 84% of global GDP growth in the next seven years and dominate over half of the world’s GDP by 2030, businesses are focusing on Asia’s dynamic market for their 2024 roadmap.  

India is also driving strong investment, with companies like Apple launching ‘Made in India’ iPhones and AWS collaborating with ISRO to boost India’s space tech sector. 

How Did India’s Tech Market Grow? 

India has grown to support the IT market in many ways. From advanced remote working infrastructure with meeting rooms in Chennai and other IT hubs in the country to heavy investments in the market, India holds one of the most important seats in the global tech market. 

Given below are some of the major reasons that pushed India to become one of the world’s leading IT hubs— 

1. Government Support 

The government has launched India’s “Make in India” initiative to support the tech industry with the Fastest-Growing Tech Hub.  

The initiative aims to encourage foreign companies to manufacture their products in India and provide incentives for businesses investing in research and development.  

Since 2011, India has invested around $1 billion in venture capital, making it the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 13,000 startups generating over $6 billion in annual revenue.  

Additionally, the government has implemented various policies to encourage the growth of the IT sector, including tax incentives, subsidies, and other benefits for IT companies. 

2. Growing Demand For IT Professionals 

India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs globally, with the IT sector contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth.  

In 2016, the Indian IT industry was valued at $146 billion and employed over 3 million people. However, despite the sector’s impressive growth, a significant shortage of skilled IT professionals is expected to worsen by 2022. 

Currently, there is a shortage of 1 million skilled IT workers in India, and the number is expected to increase to 2 million by 2022.  

Despite the country’s strong education system emphasizing STEM subjects, the demand for IT talent has outpaced the supply of skilled workers.  

This shortfall challenges the industry’s continued growth and development as companies need help to fill critical roles with qualified candidates. 

India’s rise to tech innovation could lead to the emergence of its own transnational FAANG companies.  

3. The World’s 2nd Largest English Speaking Nation 

India is home to a vast and diverse population, many fluent in English. A significant proportion of the Indian population speaks English, which makes it an important language for businesses operating in India.  

This is particularly true in the IT sector, where effective communication is essential for success. With a common language, businesses can easily communicate with their Indian counterparts, whether discussing project requirements, negotiating contracts, or simply building relationships.  

The ability to communicate effectively in English is a valuable asset for businesses operating in India and can help them navigate the complexities of the Indian market more easily. 

4. The Hustling Private Investments 

The Software Technology Park of India (STPI) plans to establish 21 Centers of Excellence (CoE). These centers will promote emerging technologies, including AI-focused ones similar to Acceleration’s Hyderabad hub and Tech Mahindra’s Google Cloud CoE.  

The New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) aims to maintain leadership in R&D by synergizing public-private partnerships. The government will identify and support potential winners to catalyze innovation-centered developments.  

Moreover, the ascent of the Private Equity industry has driven technological innovation in India, with the Private Equity/Venture Capital (PE/VC) industry growing from an insignificant alternative asset class to a mature ecosystem totaling over $230 billion.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to technology adoption across multiple sectors like tech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, and e-commerce.  

Large corporations acquiring start-ups to enhance their e-commerce and technology capabilities are expected to drive PE/VC in the forthcoming decade. 

(Copyright @ India CSR)