The ‘Digital Skills for Industry’ program, a collaborative initiative between Cisco and Rockwell Automation, aims to bridge the digital skills gap in India’s manufacturing sector. This program focuses on crucial areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and networking, combining national-level digital training curricula for IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) through globally recognized programs and certifications.

Addressing the Skills Gap

The initiative is designed to build the workforce of the future, helping to accelerate career growth, attract top talent, boost productivity, and improve digital literacy. As India strives to become a major manufacturing hub, exporting goods worth $1 trillion by 2030, the shortage of skilled workers poses a significant barrier to this progress.

According to a Team Lease report, by 2027-28, the electronics manufacturing industry in India is expected to generate 12 million jobs, but a staggering skills gap of 10 million trained professionals persists. This gap is critical to address to ensure that India’s manufacturing industry remains globally competitive, efficient, and future-ready.

Strategic Partnership and Initiatives

To address this gap, organizations are intensifying their investments in operational technology while prioritizing workforce upskilling. In July 2024, Cisco and Rockwell Automation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to close the digital skills gap in manufacturing across the Asia-Pacific region through social impact programs, including the Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad). In India, NetAcad has already trained more than 2.2 million students through collaborations with educational institutions and industry partners. With courses in emerging technologies such as networking, programming, and cybersecurity, NetAcad is equipping the workforce with the skills needed to succeed in the jobs of the future.

Leadership Perspectives

Daisy Chittilapilly, President of Cisco India & SAARC, emphasized the significance of this transformation, stating,

“As we navigate the digital-first era, we’re witnessing a significant shift where industries without the right skilled talent risk falling behind. This transformation, driven by AI and emerging technologies, is especially critical for the manufacturing sector.”

She further added,

“We are excited to partner with Rockwell Automation to build a future-ready, skilled workforce that can bring to life new possibilities of digital technologies, paving the way for a smarter and globally competitive manufacturing landscape.”

Rockwell Automation’s Role

Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director of Rockwell Automation India, highlighted the urgency of workforce upskilling and reskilling, stating,

“India’s manufacturing sector is poised to be a key engine of the nation’s economic transformation. Amidst rapid technological advancements, the need for workforce upskilling and reskilling has never been more urgent.”

Rockwell Automation’s 9th annual State of Smart Manufacturing report identifies ‘change management’ as the top workforce challenge for 2024, highlighting the crucial role of human capital in the adoption of smart manufacturing technologies.

Practical Applications and Future Outlook

Recognizing the growing need for a skilled workforce in automation technologies, Rockwell Automation offers solutions to help both customers upskill workers and academic institutions train students in industry-relevant skills. These training solutions can be deployed with Rockwell Automation support through a blend of virtual or instructor-led courses to help enterprises mitigate workforce challenges and prepare for the future of smart manufacturing.

Dilip Sawhney emphasized the importance of strategic investment in upskilling and reskilling programs, stating,

“While companies are committed to maintaining and even expanding their workforce in this era of automation, simply hiring isn’t enough. A strategic investment in robust upskilling and reskilling programs is essential. These programs must empower workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage emerging technologies effectively.”

By cultivating a dynamic talent ecosystem equipped for the future of manufacturing, India can realize its national vision: establishing the country as a global manufacturing powerhouse, competitive on the world stage.

About Rockwell Automation and Cisco

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how Rockwell Automation is bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry-leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners, and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity, and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.