Siemens CTO Forecasts Shift in Workforce Mix as AI Takes Center Stage, Implications for Indian Operations

Siemens Shifts Focus to AI and Data Talent

Siemens AG, a German engineering services giant, is undergoing a significant transformation in its workforce mix and competencies, with a focus on talent with skillsets in artificial intelligence (AI) and data. According to Dr. Peter Koerte, member of the managing board, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at Siemens AG, this shift will provide an opportunity for Siemens' technology teams in India to participate in value creation for newer products and work beyond traditional software development.

Key Statistics

• 38,000 employees across India, with 6,200 people working for the listed entity Siemens Limited, and 25 factories.
• 10,000 software and AI experts across Siemens' global innovation centres in Bengaluru and Pune.

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Competency Shift

The company is seeking to hire more data scientists, as well as experts in traditional machine learning algorithms and UX designers, to bridge the gap between consumers and industrial AI. Siemens is working on developing alternatives for interacting with AI on shop floors where phones or computers are not accessible.

Talent Acquisition

To achieve this, Siemens is looking to build smaller, more agile teams with a higher caliber of knowledge. This will enable the company to rethink traditional software development and leverage copilots and AI tools for software coding.

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India's AI Opportunity

India is poised to benefit significantly from the adoption of industrial AI, with 87% of domestic enterprises already using AI solutions. Dr. Koerte expects India to be a major force in AI and a key player in the global AI race. The country's strong position in software development services, coupled with its growing GDP, makes it an attractive market for Siemens.

Global Business

India is Siemens' fourth largest market, contributing significantly to its revenue growth. The company projects enormous demand driven by policy tailwinds, including the data centre tax holiday extension, India AI Mission, and India Semiconductor Mission 2.0.