Do 83% of India's Small Business Leaders Believe AI is Essential for Growth?
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Synopsis
A recent report reveals that a staggering 83% of small business leaders in India consider Artificial Intelligence crucial for growth as they enter 2026. This shift highlights the increasing reliance on technology in entrepreneurship, with significant implications for brand trust and professional networking.
Key Takeaways
- 83% of small business leaders view AI as essential for growth.
- Entrepreneurship is on the rise, with a 104% increase in founders on LinkedIn.
- Over 70% of professionals aspire to self-employment.
- 81% of SMBs are investing in AI skills.
- Generative AI could add $621 billion in productivity to India.
New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) As we approach 2026, India’s small enterprises are prioritizing tech-driven advancements, with 83 percent of small business leaders asserting that Artificial Intelligence is vital for growth, according to a new report released on Thursday.
The findings, compiled by LinkedIn, underscore the transformative influence of AI, brand trustworthiness, and professional connections in shaping India's entrepreneurial landscape.
The ‘Small Business Work Change India Report’ indicates a significant increase in entrepreneurship, with the number of LinkedIn users declaring themselves as “founders” rising by 104 percent within a year.
More than 70 percent of professionals in India express a desire to pursue self-employment.
AI is becoming integral to the daily operations of small and medium enterprises.
The report highlights that 82 percent of small business leaders feel AI has simplified the processes of starting and managing a business, with 97 percent already utilizing AI tools in some capacity.
As businesses integrate these technologies, they are simultaneously enhancing their operational capabilities.
AI literacy has surged by 52 percent among firms with 11 to 200 employees, and 81 percent of SMBs are actively investing in AI skills development.
Experts predict that generative AI could contribute an astounding $621 billion in productivity to India, with small businesses accounting for nearly 30 percent of that figure.
Kumaresh Pattabiraman, LinkedIn’s Country Manager for India, noted that the nation’s small businesses are advancing with “remarkable speed and ambition.”
The report also emphasizes the importance of branding and trust, revealing that globally, over 60 percent of small business owners produce their own content, and more than 70 percent believe that online authenticity is crucial.
This trend is even more pronounced in India, where 82 percent of small business marketers assert that potential buyers now validate information through trusted sources prior to making purchases.
Additionally, about 77 percent of respondents believe that professional networks significantly bolster a brand’s reputation.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that the growing emphasis on Artificial Intelligence among small business leaders reflects a significant shift in India's economic landscape. This trend not only highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of our nation but also emphasizes the critical role of technology in enhancing productivity and operational efficiency. The insights provided by the LinkedIn report are invaluable as we navigate this transformative era.
NationPress
04/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of small business leaders believe AI is vital for growth?
According to the report, 83 percent of small business leaders in India consider AI critical for growth.
How much has the number of LinkedIn members identifying as founders increased?
The number of LinkedIn users adding 'founder' to their profiles has surged by 104 percent in the past year.
What percentage of small businesses are investing in AI skills?
81 percent of small and medium businesses are actively investing in AI skills development.
What impact could generative AI have on India's productivity?
Experts estimate that generative AI could add up to $621 billion in productivity to India.
Why is authenticity important for small businesses?
Over 70 percent of small business owners believe that online authenticity plays a significant role in consumer trust.
