Between man and machine: The dual challenge of skills shortage

By Terry Smagh, Senior Vice President & General Manager – Asia Pacific Japan, Infor

India’s manufacturing sector is at faced with a paradox – the country is planning to become a global manufacturing hub however, sizable challenges such as skills shortage, underinvestment in workforce development, and a widening gap between digital capabilities and workforce readiness threaten to hold back growth. According to the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) data there is a deficit of 29 million across sectors including manufacturing.

Manufacturing momentum meets a talent bottleneck
Digitalisation in Indian manufacturing is accelerating.  Infor’s research notes that 80% of organisations across APAC plan to increase technology investment by 20% or more in the coming year. The focus is clear, digital transformation is a strategic priority. Yet, workforce readiness lags.

Powering digital with people
The same research highlights a clear productivity divide: industrial organisations with better access to skilled ...