Inclusion & Diversity in India

How AI is revolutionizing the fabric of innovation

March 26, 2023 3-MINUTE READ

In brief

Harsha Almad, Global Lead of the Accenture Institute of Applied Intelligence, on how Artificial Intelligence is at the core of digital development.
AI is transforming the fundamentals of innovation. Clients are experiencing a Total Enterprise Reinvention with the evolution of data and analytics.
India is advancing in the field of AI. Through various initiatives, Accenture is leading the way for a diverse AI workforce within the country.

Discussing AI’s impact on society, Harsha Almad, Accenture’s Global Lead of the Institute of Applied Intelligence, said, “Data and Artificial Intelligence give you wings to accelerate innovation.” The advent of data and AI is noticeable in every field, be it in agile search engine results or automated AI assistance. AI innovators are making sure clients experience ‘compressed transformation.’

Harsha explains, “We live in a Total Enterprise Reinvention world where clients experience compressed transformation. It is the ability to adapt to the transformation while acknowledging change and delivering while innovating.” Accenture’s Total Enterprise Reinvention Report states that 86% of companies accept technological growth strategies.

Here’s how Accenture uses AI capabilities to encourage diversified transformation among its clients:

AI’s ability to transform the fundamentals of innovation

An Accenture survey revealed, “Over 75% of global companies have integrated AI into their business strategies and have reworked their cloud plans to achieve AI success.” Today companies are assessing the potential of AI and incentivizing its abilities. Data and technology leaders at Accenture continue to help clients realize how Deep Data frameworks can help their businesses mature faster.

Harsha states, “You now have Data and AI horsepower to drive business or societal value with greater impact.” Data analytics is as crucial for a cosmetic firm as it is for the healthcare industry. Continuing on the advantages of a reliable data analytics model, Harsha says, “The client can sell beyond their services and come up with new services for customers. Data can help clients unlock new business models.”

Accenture has collaborated with clients like Shiseido, a Japanese skincare and beauty company, to transform the meaning of a healthy beauty experience via AI. Leveraging Accenture's AI expertise, Shiseido created an innovative B2C model that ensures a smooth customer experience.

The AI landscape in India

AI has captured the interest of C-suite leaders worldwide. Focusing on the increasing priority of AI across government and non-government sectors, Harsha emphasizes, “India is the mother of innovations. The Indian government is investing heavily in AI. India’s Finance Minister has announced the establishment of three new centers for excellence for AI.”

The demand for high-tech specialists becomes visible as education institutes include subjects like AI and data science in their curricula. Moreover, “the hunger to learn about data,” continues Harsha, “is location agnostic. Skill is location agnostic. Individuals in tier two and three cities are as eager to learn about data as anyone else.”

The results are visible through the enrollment of AI professionals, across India, in various courses offered by the Accenture Institute of Applied Intelligence. Harsha shares how Accenture’s initiatives are helping bridge the digital divide in India.

Sharing her views on Accenture emerging as a 50-50 workforce in the space of gender diversity, Harsha says, “Accenture is a diverse workforce. It is busting the myth that a person of a certain gender, geography, age, or religion cannot do something. Today we are leading from the top in terms of diversity. I&D is followed very consciously at Accenture.”

Talking about bridging the gendered digital gap, Harsha mentions two ways in which companies can provide equal opportunities for advancement for their female employees:

Showcase female role models who are a great source of inspiration.
Provide upskilling opportunities to women who want to join or rejoin the workforce.

Accenture’s policies to bring more women into STEM and AI include the ‘Career Reboot Program‘ and ‘Girls in Tech'. Harsha’s takeaway for all the women in tech is, “Women, keep learning and keep skilling yourself.”

Work at the heart of change

Advice for women in AI

With several years of experience in deep data and AI and as a regular contributor to Vaahini, Harsha Almad has the following advice for emerging and established female AI professionals:

Find good mentors and role models whose career choices you want to emulate. Alongside, build support communities where you can discuss ideas and opportunities, and most importantly, give back to your community.
Good leaders emerge when we skill individuals actively. We need to think about how the art of transformation works. Unleash the talent within yourself and others, for it is a critical growth element.
Reinvent your skills for your clients and community and to elevate yourself. If you stay relevant, you will become a much sought-after resource at your company. Stay hungry, and stay curious!
As an expert in AI, remember that technology complements your intellect. Use technological evolution to its advantage.
In the fast-paced world of technology, organizations will be in flux. So, expect change and stay prepared.
Participate in the knowledge economy using your tools and skills. Doing so will help you give better value to your customers and community. Never stop learning.

Harsha stresses that we need to constantly upskill and reskill ourselves if we are to ride the wave of Artificial Intelligence which is revolutionizing the fabric of innovation in the age of diversity.