In this special interview with The Catalyst, Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore, shares insights on the evolving world of technology and human connection. He emphasizes that while innovation drives progress, it is creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence that give tech its true purpose.
What role does digital education play in bridging the skills gap on a global scale?
Digital education plays a pivotal role in addressing the global skills gap by democratizing access to quality learning opportunities. In regions where traditional educational infrastructure is lacking, digital platforms offer flexible, scalable solutions. According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of the global workforce will require significant reskilling by 2025 to meet the demands of Industry 4.0, which makes digital education crucial. This requires learners from diverse backgrounds to acquire skills tailored to emerging needs in technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and more. This has been made convenient through digital education – learning anything, anytime, anywhere. For this, the institutions need to ensure that their digital education initiatives are aligned with global trends and that their curriculum evolves in tandem with industry demands. For example, by integrating technologies such as AI-driven learning and virtual classrooms, IIM Indore helps participants, especially in its executive programmes, bridge the skills gap in real-time. Such platforms facilitate personalized learning and encourage lifelong education—critical factors in a world where technology and job requirements are in constant flux.
Ultimately, digital education is a bridge, not just between different geographical regions, but also between evolving skill demands and the capabilities of the workforce.
In what ways can technology help bridge the skills gap between academic education and the demands of the industry?
Technology plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic education and industry needs by offering more flexible, accessible, and real-time learning experiences. Traditional educational structures often struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of industries. However, by integrating technology into education, institutions can create dynamic learning environments that adapt quickly to the latest industry trends and equip students with the relevant skills they need.
The rise of smartphones, mobile apps, and online learning platforms has made education more accessible and personalized. Students can now engage in learning at their own pace, anytime and anywhere, breaking down geographical and time barriers. Mobile applications, for example, offer instant access to learning materials, including videos, quizzes, and industry-relevant case studies. This flexibility helps learners stay up-to-date with the rapidly changing demands of the job market. Additionally, technologies like AI and machine learning are used to create personalized learning experiences, identifying gaps in knowledge and suggesting tailored learning paths, thus addressing the skills gap effectively.
A 2020 PwC report revealed that 74% of executives were concerned about the availability of critical skills, further underlining the need for educational institutions to evolve. Thus, it’s essential to include technology in the curriculum to help the graduates upskill. The growing trend of online and hybrid learning models, which blend digital and face-to-face interactions, can offer students even more opportunities to develop the skills needed by today’s industries. Technology, thus, ensures that education is more adaptive, accessible, and better aligned with the skills required in the global job market.
Your views on technology changing the way we view “essential” human skills, and which skills do you see as most crucial to retain in the future?
Technology has undeniably shifted the focus of “essential” human skills. In a digital-first world, technical expertise is essential, but it is human-centric skills—such as emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking—that are becoming more valuable. Automation and AI have made routine tasks obsolete, yet these technologies cannot replicate uniquely human qualities like empathy, adaptability, and ethical reasoning. According to a report by McKinsey, AI will lead to around 12 million occupational transitions by 2030, a pace comparable to the job shifts seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it would also create new roles that require creative problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
At IIM Indore, the curriculum is designed to integrate these essential human skills alongside technical expertise. Students are encouraged to develop leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, and resilience, which are essential as businesses face unprecedented change. As we move forward, the ability to collaborate, innovate, and empathize with diverse audiences will be the defining competencies for future leaders. These are the skills that technology cannot replicate, and they will remain integral in roles that demand strategic thinking and decision-making.
What are some ways to ensure that human creativity and empathy remain integral in tech-driven roles?
One approach is to embed these qualities into the design and implementation of technology itself. By encouraging multidisciplinary collaborations—where technologists work closely with artists, designers, and psychologists—we can ensure that human touch remains in connection with tech-driven roles. For example, AI-powered tools in healthcare, such as diagnostic algorithms, should complement, not replace, the empathetic care provided by doctors and nurses.
Similarly, in education, while digital learning tools can provide personalized education pathways, the emotional connection between teachers and students remains invaluable. IIM Indore recognizes the importance of these soft skills in its programmes. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving through immersive learning experiences. We also offer various out-of-campus programmes like the Himalayan Outbound Programme (HOP) and the Rural Engagement Programme (REP). During the HOP, our students visit the Himalayas, and embrace and enhance their leadership and team building qualities in extreme environments. Similarly, during the REP, our students spend a week in the villages of Madhya Pradesh, understanding the challenges of rural India, and offering solutions. This experience helps them stay rooted and understand the grassroot problems in the rural parts of the country, allowing them to offer innovative and sustainable solutions.
While technology facilitates progress, it is creativity and empathy that give it purpose and direction in the real world.
What is your perspective on hybrid roles that blend technology expertise with strong human skills? Do you see these roles becoming more common?
Yes, such roles are the future. As industries move towards digital transformation, the demand for professionals who can bridge the technical and human aspects of business is growing rapidly. These hybrid roles—such as product managers who understand both AI and user behaviour, or data scientists who can communicate insights effectively to non-technical stakeholders—are essential for organizations that seek innovation and customer-centric solutions.
The demand for roles like Data-driven Product Managers and AI-enhanced Customer Experience Designers has surged significantly. At IIM Indore, the focus on interdisciplinary learning in flagship programmes, and even in executive programmes, focusing on leadership and other tech-skills prepares participants to thrive in such hybrid roles. The integration of technology and human management skills ensures that graduates are equipped to handle complex business challenges with a strategic mindset.
IIM Indore has also collaborated with IIT Indore to offer Master of Science in Data Science and Management. This unique one-of-its-kind programme allows the participants to understand the nitty-gritty of data science along with managerial aspects that help them thrive in Industry 4.0.
I firmly believe that these hybrid roles will continue to expand, as companies require a blend of technical proficiency and emotional intelligence to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.
What are the biggest challenges organizations face when trying to integrate technology while preserving a human-centred approach?
One of the primary obstacles is the risk of dehumanizing the workforce. As organizations adopt automation and AI, there is a concern that employees may feel marginalized or disconnected from the decision-making process, which can lead to resistance or a loss of morale. Another challenge is ensuring that technology serves rather than replaces human creativity. It is essential to strike a balance where technology amplifies human potential rather than replacing it.
Its time for institutions to focus on preparing managers and leaders who understand this balance. The industry now demands managers who emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability—skills that ensure technology is used to empower people rather than isolate them.
By prioritizing a human-centered approach in tech adoption, organizations can create a culture of collaboration and creativity, ensuring that technology enhances—not diminishes—the workforce’s value.
AI can be used as a force for good, please comment on the need for responsible innovation in this field.
AI has vast potential to drive positive change across various sectors, from healthcare to education to climate change solutions. However, its responsible application is crucial to ensure that it benefits society without exacerbating inequalities or ethical dilemmas. As AI systems become more powerful, there is a growing need for guidelines and regulations to ensure that these technologies are used for good. The World Economic Forum reports that 60% of global leaders believe that AI will make their lives easier and change their lives in the coming years, but this potential can only be realized through responsible innovation that prioritizes transparency, fairness, and accountability.
We need to encourage discussions around the ethical implications of AI, promoting a mindset of responsibility among students and executives. This will help them ensure that they use AI as a tool for social good, and that its benefits are widely distributed and not concentrated in the hands of a few.
Prof. Rai emphasizes the balanced use of technology with human connection, stating that it is essential for creating solutions that resonate with emotions, address real challenges, and foster collaboration. He strongly advocates for the democratization of technology, emphasizes the critical role of digital education, and supports curated programs designed to help students reskill. Most importantly, Prof. Rai highlights the need of responsible innovation with technology, there should be a continuous dialogue on the ethical implications of AI and it should be a tool for greater good.
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