Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham reinforced its commitment to shaping a future-ready workforce at the India Economic Conclave (IEC) 2024. Suresh Kodoor, Director of Academia-Industry partnership, delivered a keynote address titled “Future-proofing the workforce,” emphasizing the vital role of academia-industry collaboration in navigating the challenges of technological disruption.

Highlighting a World Economic Forum report, Kodoor revealed that 60% of children entering school today will work in job types yet to be created. He outlined the impact of advancements in AI, robotics, and automation, stating, “The jobs of tomorrow demand not just technical expertise but also essential skills like analytical thinking, resilience, and adaptability.”

Kodoor discussed the shifting employment landscape, noting that while 83 million jobs may be lost in the next five years, 69 million new roles will emerge, particularly in sectors such as AI, sustainability, and data science. He stressed the importance of retraining and reskilling the workforce to adapt to these changes.

Amrita’s initiatives include fostering interdisciplinary education, creativity, and entrepreneurship to prepare students for emerging opportunities. The university’s robust industry partnerships ensure that its curricula align with real-world demands, equipping graduates with both technical and soft skills essential for thriving in a rapidly evolving job market.

“Purposeful collaboration between academia, industry, and government is essential to drive innovation and sustain economic growth,” Kodoor remarked. He concluded by urging stakeholders to embrace the challenges of technological advancement and work together to build a resilient and adaptable workforce.