Indian businesses are increasingly adopting Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) practices, a trend underscored by a recent survey conducted by Nasscom, the prominent tech industry body. The survey, which highlights the growing importance of ethical and secure AI deployment, revealed that around 60% of businesses in India either have matured RAI practices and policies in place or are in the process of adopting them. This shift reflects a broader understanding of both the opportunities and risks associated with AI technology.
Key insights from the survey include:
- Enterprise Adoption: Larger enterprises, specifically those with annual revenues exceeding Rs 250 crore, are more likely to have advanced RAI practices. They are 2.3 times more likely than startups and 1.5 times more likely than small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to report matured RAI practices.
- Developer vs. User Perspective: Developers are nearly twice as likely as users to report higher levels of RAI maturity. This indicates a significant disparity in the adoption and understanding of RAI practices between those who create AI technologies and those who use them.
- Workforce Development and Sensitization: A substantial 89% of businesses with matured RAI practices have committed to continuing investment in workforce sensitization and training for RAI compliance. This commitment is also echoed by over 60% of businesses with lower levels of RAI maturity, underlining the importance of ongoing education and training in this field.
- Leadership and Accountability: The survey underscored the critical role of leadership in the successful adoption of RAI practices. About 69% of respondents believe that the major share of accountability for RAI compliance should rest with the C-suite or the board of directors of companies.
- Challenges in Implementation: Despite the growing adoption, the survey identified significant barriers, including the lack of access to high-quality data and a shortage of skilled technical and management personnel, which are impeding the widespread implementation of RAI practices in India.
- Sector-wise Progress: Industries such as banking, financial services, insurance, technology, media, telecom, and healthcare are leading in RAI adoption, with about two-thirds of businesses in these sectors reporting matured practices or steps towards adoption.
These findings from Nasscom’s survey point to a positive trend in the Indian business landscape, where RAI is evolving from a buzzword to a business imperative. The insights are expected to catalyze the creation of stronger industrial policies and strategies, ensuring compliance with RAI and balancing innovation with ethical principles. The survey’s outcomes also highlight the need for a global framework for the ethical use of AI, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Modi at the GPAI summit.