AI leaders using AI to amplify workers' capabilities, not replace them: NTT DATA
New Delhi, July 5
Artificial intelligence leaders are using the technology to strengthen the capabilities of skilled employees rather than replace them, according to NTT DATA's "2026 Global AI Report: A Playbook for AI Leaders", which says the primary workforce goal among top-performing organisations is "augmentation, not replacement".
The report identifies "Expert-first AI" as one of the defining characteristics of AI leaders, saying, "these front-runners use AI to amplify the impact of experienced, highly skilled employees rather than to replace them."
According to the global AI report, "AI leaders' primary workforce goal is augmentation, not replacement. They want skilled, AI-savvy employees with institutional knowledge and a deep understanding of the business to focus on higher-value work, with targeted reskilling where needed."
The report added that the rapid evolution of AI is reshaping the nature of work, particularly with the rise of agentic AI.
It said, "Every technology revolution is also a human one. AI is no different in this regard, but it's progressing a lot faster. Where previous transformations have advanced over decades, this one is unfolding in years."
On the changing workplace, the report said, "Agentic AI, in particular, is redefining human work. Instead of job descriptions, organisations will define roles in terms of decision loops: data intake, interpretation, action and evaluation. Some loops will be fully automated; others will remain hybrid, with human oversight."
It further said, "As a result, the workforce of the future will comprise collaborative ecosystems where humans define purpose and parameters while agents execute and optimise."
The report further said, "One of the most striking features is how AI leaders are structured. They increasingly operate as AI-native enterprises where workflows are redesigned, governance is centralised, infrastructure is secure and scalable, and expert talent is empowered, not displaced."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Expert-first AI! Finally someone is talking sense. For years we've seen companies blindly replace workers with tech, but here they actually talk about empowering skilled employees with institutional knowledge. As someone working in Bengaluru's tech scene, this gives me hope. But implementing this in Indian companies will be tricky - our management loves cutting costs first.
Interesting report from NTT DATA. The point about decision loops - data intake, interpretation, action, evaluation - is a useful framework. But I'm skeptical whether most Indian firms are ready for this kind of agentic AI transformation. Many still struggle with basic digital literacy among senior staff.
Acha hai, but let's be realistic. In India, many companies already use AI to monitor employees and cut costs. This "augmentation" talk might just be corporate jargon. However, the report's focus on reskilling is important - our government should take notes. ITIs and colleges need to adapt curricula for this AI era. Otherwise, we'll fall behind.
The concept of "AI-native enterprises" sounds promising - where workflows are redesigned and governance is centralised. But how many Indian businesses actually have the infrastructure for this? We still see companies running on Excel sheets and WhatsApp groups! Baby steps first, please. 🤔
As a recent engineering graduate, this is reassuring. The report says AI will help experienced workers focus on higher-value tasks. But I worry about fresh graduates - how do we gain that "institutional knowledge" when AI handles the basics? Companies need to have proper mentorship programs alongside AI adoption. Otherwise, it'll be experienced people getting more powerful, and
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.