Visualising India's Tech-Driven 2050

We are approaching 2050, just under 30 years from now, and this future is on the verge of significant transformation, primarily powered by technology. An industry report predicts IoT technology will be integrated into 95 per cent of electronics in new product designs, connecting nearly everything to the internet and the cloud. These advancements will not just change how we produce and oversee products and services; they will revolutionise our way of life.

India is particularly well-positioned for a technology-driven transformation, with IT at its core. This transformation will integrate technology into all aspects of our lives, resulting in interconnected, automated systems across sectors. The driving forces that will take us towards this technology-infused future are the exponential growth of digital capabilities, the thriving Fintech sector, and active engagement with cutting-edge technologies beyond 6G. This future will offer solutions to pressing environmental and social problems.

As we look forward to the next two decades, we will witness a period that underscores India's commitment to becoming a global technology powerhouse and shaping a brighter, tech-enhanced future for all. 

Visualising 2050

IT will be pivotal in reshaping these sectors, from upgraded smart cities to innovative advancements in healthcare, payments, education, agriculture, and e-governance. For instance, by 2050, the UN estimates that 68 per cent of the world's population will live in urban areas, driving the need for smart cities and advanced technology to manage urban infrastructure and services. Further, India is destined to cement its status as a global hub of innovation, driven by a thriving ecosystem of startups, research institutions, and tech giants that will consistently produce groundbreaking solutions.

The following are some notable trends in IT that are bound to become a norm in less than thirty years from now. 

Automation and employment: Advanced robotic systems, leveraging AI and machine learning, will assume responsibility for repetitive functions across manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors, liberating human capacity for more imaginative and strategic roles. India, in particular, stands to benefit from automation, as approximately 69 per cent of its job market has the potential for positive transformation by integrating emerging technologies such as robotics and AI by 2050. Simultaneously, the global manufacturing industries are poised to undergo near-total automation by 2050, embracing advanced technologies that underscore the profound influence of automation across diverse sectors. India is not exempt from this transformation and will be significantly impacted by these developments.

Superfast tech: In 2050, quantum and edge computing, alongside other cutting-edge technologies and drone ecosystems, will drive rapid advances in computing power, revolutionising various sectors. Healthcare diagnoses will be near-instantaneous, financial transactions lightning-fast, and transportation systems will operate in real-time. This transformative era will coincide with the projected increase in internet users, expected to reach over 1.6 billion in India alone by 2050 (from the current 759 million). Simultaneously, ecommerce will flourish, offering immersive, personalised shopping experiences through virtual and augmented reality. Streamlined logistics and rapid delivery will make e-commerce the dominant force in retail, providing unmatched convenience and choice to consumers worldwide.

Tech for sustainability: Technology will be pivotal in India's journey towards achieving its 2050 net-zero emissions goal. The country is rapidly adopting advanced renewable energy solutions, such as solar and wind technologies, energy storage systems, and grid integration. Smart city initiatives, IoT integration, and carbon capture technologies are instrumental in sustainable urban development and emissions reduction. Innovations in energy efficiency in both industries and buildings are crucial. Additionally, IT plays a significant role in optimising energy consumption, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and enabling remote monitoring and control of sustainable systems. These efforts will also include green construction practices supported by AI design algorithms and smart waste management systems, promoting sustainable infrastructure and resource management. These technological advancements are essential to India's strategy to achieve its 2050 net-zero emissions goal. Moreover, by reaching net-zero targets by 2050, the country can boost annual GDP by as much as 7.3 per cent and create nearly 20 million additional jobs by 2032.

A Promising Future 

In 2050, India will emerge as a dynamic and formidable force, with its IT sector standing tall as the unshakable backbone of its progress. As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, India's innovation-driven economy will pave the way for unparalleled growth and global influence. The nation's research, education, and infrastructure investments will bear fruit, unleashing a new era of homegrown innovation. In this India of 2050, the convergence of cutting-edge technology, diverse talent, visionary leadership, and thriving international collaborations will spark a vibrant ecosystem where solutions to the world's most pressing challenges will be forged, setting the stage for a future defined by progress, inclusivity, and limitless possibilities.

India's ascendancy in the global tech arena will serve as a beacon of inspiration for the world, showcasing the nation's technological prowess and its commitment to harnessing technology for the greater good, thus setting an exemplary standard for global leadership in the digital age.

(The author is CEO at Hexaware Technologies)