New Delhi, Feb 27 – Future growth will be propelled by human innovation rather than just technological advancements, according to LinkedIn’s Chief Economic Opportunity Officer, Aneesh Raman. He prioritized human capabilities, particularly soft skills, over optimizing AI for efficiency.
Speaking in an interview, Raman underscored that AI should be seen as a means to enhance human work, enabling more significant innovation. He warned businesses against focusing solely on AI-driven productivity, stating they risk missing its value—its role in fostering innovation.
"Electricity started as an idea. Computing started as an idea. Generative AI started as an idea. Human innovation, not technical advancement, has historically fueled growth. More than ever before, human innovation will drive the future," he asserted.
The Innovation Economy: Shifting Priorities
As AI adoption grows, Raman pointed out that the real challenge lies in unlocking human innovation at an unprecedented scale. He noted that many employment, education, and entrepreneurial systems still prioritize pedigree over potential, making it harder for individuals to bring their ideas to life.He highlighted the evolving job market and stated that while physical and intellectual labor has traditionally dominated, AI is increasingly automating intellectual tasks. This shift necessitates a stronger focus on human-centric skills, particularly social abilities—what he calls the "new hard skills."
Soft skills, he said, are now at the core of hiring decisions, identifying the "5 Cs" as crucial: communication, creativity, compassion, courage, and curiosity.
"If you're a business leader or an individual who thinks AI is here to replace humans, you're missing a key opportunity. Now is the time to enhance people skills alongside learning about AI," Raman urged.
India’s Leadership in AI and Upskilling
Commending India's proactive approach to AI adoption and skill development, Raman stated that the country is "leading from the front." He highlighted that while technical AI skills are essential, AI literacy and the ability to prompt AI tools effectively are equally crucial. Notably, communication—not coding—has become the most in-demand skill on LinkedIn in India.He expressed optimism about AI’s potential to drive entrepreneurship and noted that AI enables individuals to quickly build, prototype, and launch businesses. He believes this will be a major driver of India's economic growth.
Furthermore, Raman stressed that AI could equalize the job market, shifting hiring focus from degrees and job titles to demonstrable skills. He cited Karya, an Indian non-profit that pays rural workers for their voice data to develop AI tools in local languages, as an example of how AI can empower marginalized communities.
Responsible AI: Ensuring Equity in the Workplace
Acknowledging concerns about AI perpetuating human biases, Raman emphasized the importance of responsible AI development to create a more equitable labor market. He highlighted ongoing cross-sector discussions and the role of consumer and corporate pressure in shaping ethical AI practices.For AI to truly benefit society, he concluded, it must be designed to serve underserved populations, ensuring they can participate in the knowledge economy and contribute their talents effectively.