70% of Indian professionals now want to work for themselves
What's the story
A recent LinkedIn report has revealed a major shift in India's professional landscape, with 70% of Indian professionals expressing a desire to work for themselves. The Small Business Work Change India Report also noted a staggering 104% year-on-year (YoY) increase in the number of members adding "founder" to their profiles. The trend highlights the growing entrepreneurial spirit among Indians as they move toward self-employment and small business creation.
AI impact
AI integration fuels entrepreneurial growth
The report credits the rise in entrepreneurship to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily business operations. A whopping 97% of small-business leaders use some form of AI, with 82% saying it has simplified starting and running a business. Further, 83% consider AI critical for business growth. This trend has also led to a surge in skill-building, with firms employing between 11-200 employees witnessing a 52% year-on-year increase in AI literacy.
AI potential
Small businesses could capture 30% of AI productivity
The report further states that generative AI could unlock $621 billion in productivity for India, with small businesses potentially capturing up to 30% of that value. "India's small businesses are moving with extraordinary speed and ambition," said Kumaresh Pattabiraman, LinkedIn's India Country Manager. He stressed the combination of rapid AI adoption, strong skilling appetite, and trusted professional networks is "reshaping how businesses build, scale, and succeed."
Growth factors
Brand credibility and professional networks shape business growth
Brand credibility has emerged as a key factor in small business growth. A staggering 82% of small-business marketers in India say buyers verify information with trusted contacts before making decisions. Further, 77% believe professional networks play a major role in validating brands. This trend is shaping how firms present themselves online, with 85% of Indian marketers saying audiences prefer real voices, customers, employees, partners, creators, because they help people make smarter choices.
Network importance
Relationships emerge as backbone of entrepreneurial wave
The report also highlights the growing importance of relationships in this entrepreneurial wave. A whopping 86% of Indian professionals say relationships matter more than ever, with small-business professionals expanding their LinkedIn networks by 28% YoY. Inside companies, 88% of SMBs say people skills have become more important in the age of AI. Trusted connections are influencing business decisions as well, 73% of SMB professionals say community input speeds up decision-making and 78% rely on mentorship for growth.