Over the past decade, India has experienced rapid digitalisation, positioning itself as a global leader in the digital economy. Understanding the role of digitalisation in driving economic growth, employment, and sustainable development is crucial for both policymakers and the private sector. According to the State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2024, India ranks as the 3rd largest digital economy worldwide, with its overall digitalisation ahead of many nations. It also holds the 12th spot among G20 countries for the digitalisation level of individual users.
Projected Growth of India’s Digital Economy
India’s digital economy is projected to grow almost twice as fast as the overall economy, contributing nearly 20% of the nation’s income by 2029-30. In less than 6 years, digital’s share of the economy will surpass that of agriculture and manufacturing. In the short term, growth is expected to come primarily from digital intermediaries and platforms, followed by broader digital integration across the economy. This shift will lead to a decline in the proportion of ICT industries within the digital economy itself.
Future Projections: Digital Economy’s Share of GVA
By 2029-30, the digital economy’s share of GVA is expected to grow to 20%, surpassing agriculture and manufacturing. Key drivers of this growth include AI adoption, cloud services, and the rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs), which now make up 55% of the world’s total, with India being a major hub. These centers offer services such as R&D, IT support, and business process management for multinational companies.
Growth of Digital-Enabled Industries
Looking ahead, India’s digital economy is set to continue driving significant economic growth. By 2030, it is expected to contribute nearly a fifth of the overall economy, growing faster than traditional sectors. Digital-enabling industries have already grown at a rate of 17.3% over the last decade, much higher than the overall economy’s growth of 11.8%. Digital platforms are anticipated to see a growth rate of around 30% in the near future.
India’s digital economy is not only a key driver of economic growth but also plays an important role in creating new job opportunities and empowering women in the workforce. The rapid expansion of digital platforms is reshaping the future of work across the country.
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