India’s businesses are speeding up investments in generative AI, with 78% of companies planning to increase their spending in 2025 to keep up with the rapid change, according to the Accenture Pulse of Change Survey—Word Economic Forum 2025.
However, most of this investment goes into technology and not the people who will use it.
The survey, which included executives and employees from India’s largest businesses, revealed that companies are spending three times more on AI technology than on training and upskilling their workforce.
Saurabh Kumar Sahu, managing director and India business lead at Accenture, emphasised the need for a balanced approach.
“While the excitement around generative AI is palpable, it is crucial for Indian businesses to balance their investments in technology with a strong focus on talent development.
“By aligning people, processes, and technology, we can create a robust ecosystem that not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation. This is the path to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market,” he said.
A significant majority (78%) of Indian C-suite leaders express confidence in increasing AI investments. This is driven primarily by the desire to capitalise on technological advancements (29%), manage business risks more effectively (23%), and maintain market competitiveness (17%).
Furthermore, 67% of these leaders report that generative AI development within their organisations is progressing faster than anticipated.
While most AI investments (56%) focus on streamlining processes, there is a notable gap in understanding its potential. Fewer employees (45%) than executives (66%) fully comprehend its capabilities.
The survey highlights the impact AI is expected to have on work, with 77% of employees believing their roles will be affected. However, while 93% of leaders say their workforce has received adequate AI training, only 86% of employees agree.
Indian businesses expect 2025 to bring more change than 2024, but only 49% of C-suite leaders feel fully prepared for disruptions. Employees are even less confident, with 54% saying their organisations are not ready for major changes.
