Thu, Feb 20, 2025

India’s Path to a Tech-Driven Economy by 2047: Key Insights from Bain & Company and Nasscom

Asset Management
Sarah J

Sarah J

Posted on Thu, Feb 20, 2025

3 min read

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India stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey, with the potential to transform into a high-income, developed nation by 2047, boasting a GDP of $23–35 trillion. A recent report by Bain & Company and Nasscom, titled India @2047: Transforming India into a Tech-Driven Economy, outlines a strategic roadmap to achieve this ambitious vision. This transformation hinges on sustained annual growth of 8–10%, sectoral advancements, technological innovation, and workforce readiness. Below are the most critical takeaways from the report, highlighting how India can leverage technology and key industries to realize its “Viksit Bharat” ambition.


Economic Growth and Sectoral Transformation

To reach a GDP of $23–35 trillion by 2047, India must maintain robust economic growth while shifting from a net importer to a globally competitive, export-driven economy. The report projects that by 2047, the services sector will contribute approximately 60% of GDP, with manufacturing accounting for 32%. Five key sectors—electronics, energy, chemicals, automotive, and services—are identified as growth levers due to their alignment with global trends and scalability. These sectors are poised to drive job creation, wealth generation, and India’s integration into global value chains, provided they undergo structural reforms and technological modernization.


Harnessing the Demographic Dividend

India’s workforce is set to expand significantly, with nearly 200 million new workers expected to join by 2047. This demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity, but it also underscores the urgency of high-value job creation. The report emphasizes increasing female labor participation from its current 25% to 40–50%, which is essential for economic growth and gender equity. However, a projected workforce gap of 50 million by 2030 looms large, necessitating expanded STEM education and targeted skilling initiatives to prepare workers for tech-driven industries.


Technology as the Cornerstone

Technology is the linchpin of India’s transformation. The report highlights advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and digital manufacturing as critical drivers. In electronics, AI-enabled chip design and biodegradable components could position India as a global leader, potentially capturing a 25% share of the electronics manufacturing market and creating 20 million jobs. In the automotive sector, electrification—powered by advanced EV batteries and autonomous technologies—could establish India as a hub for smart mobility. Meanwhile, the services sector stands to benefit from AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), reinforcing India’s dominance in IT and digital transformation.


Sector-Specific Innovations

- Electronics: Touchless manufacturing and reduced import dependency could boost domestic production.

- Energy: Renewable energy adoption and smart grids will enhance sustainability and energy security.

- Chemicals: AI-driven R&D and bio-based production could secure a 10% share in global specialty chemical value chains.

- Services: Cloud computing and generative AI will propel banking, healthcare, and retail, with high-value service clusters emerging in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.


Overcoming Challenges

Realizing this vision requires addressing structural challenges, including infrastructure deficits, skill gaps, and regulatory hurdles. Investments in digital and transport infrastructure, coupled with collaborative R&D, are vital to position India as a leader in future technologies. The report stresses a multi-pronged, tech-enabled approach that balances growth with sustainability and inclusivity.


A Call to Action

The Bain-Nasscom report serves as a clarion call for policymakers, industry leaders, and citizens to align efforts toward a tech-driven future. By leveraging its demographic strengths, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering innovation across key sectors, India can elevate its global standing, improve quality of life, and cement its role as a technological and economic powerhouse by 2047. The path is ambitious, but with strategic execution, India’s transformation into a $23–35 trillion economy is within reach.


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