India is undergoing a seismic shift in its business landscape, moving from a labor-driven mindset to embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) at an unprecedented scale, according to Bill McDermott, CEO of ServiceNow, a leading global AI platform for business transformation. Speaking at Knowledge 2025, ServiceNow’s annual AI-driven service transformation event in Las Vegas on May 7, 2025, McDermott shared bold insights on how AI is reshaping industries—and why companies that don’t adopt it now might not survive the next five years. With partnerships like Reliance, initiatives like NowNext AI, and a new focus on upskilling through ServiceNow University, the company is doubling down on India. Let’s break down McDermott’s vision, explore what it means for Indian businesses, and share actionable ways you can ride this AI wave—whether you’re a student, professional, or business leader!
The AI Imperative: Adapt or Fade Away
McDermott didn’t mince words: “Corporations that don’t get on board with AI right now will fail. If they’re not on AI in five years, they won’t be around.” This stark warning comes as autonomous agentic AI—systems that can independently perform tasks and make decisions—is revolutionizing how businesses operate. At Knowledge 2025, McDermott highlighted how ServiceNow is replacing the outdated, fragmented software stacks of the 20th century with an integrated platform that helps companies run more efficiently, cut costs, and drive growth.
For Indian businesses, this shift is a game-changer. McDermott noted that India is moving away from a labor-centric approach to an AI-driven mindset. “If you combine brilliant talent with the magic of AI, the force-multiplying effect is massive,” he said. Imagine automating repetitive tasks and letting AI handle complex workflows—businesses can achieve more with fewer resources. In fact, some companies using ServiceNow have reported doing the same work with 60% fewer engineers—or getting 60% more output with the same team. Curious about ServiceNow’s AI solutions? Check out their platform at ServiceNow.com.
ServiceNow’s Big Bet on India: Partnerships and Pricing
India’s price-sensitive market poses unique challenges, but McDermott is optimistic. “We need to be responsive to the market’s needs,” he said, emphasizing a shift from focusing on platform costs to the value it delivers. ServiceNow is rolling out its NowNext AI program, which offers companies that fully commit to the platform—like Reliance—broad access to intellectual property (IP), AI innovations, and cost benefits.
Partnering with giants like Reliance, Adani Group, and Tata allows ServiceNow to scale its offerings, drastically lowering the cost per unit for clients. “We want to make it easier for India to do business with us,” McDermott explained. This approach not only makes AI adoption more affordable but also fosters deeper collaboration with India’s biggest players. McDermott even shared a personal anecdote, mentioning his attendance at the wedding of Anant Ambani, son of his friend Mukesh Ambani, in 2024, underscoring the strong ties between ServiceNow and Reliance.
For smaller businesses, ServiceNow aims to be “absolutely competitive” by consolidating multiple providers into one platform. McDermott described it as a “clean pane of glass” powered by agentic AI, boosting productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall value. Jensen Huang of NVIDIA has called ServiceNow the “AI operating system for the enterprise,” a testament to its transformative potential. Want to learn more about AI in business? Explore Forbes India’s Tech Section.
The Global AI Skills Gap: Why ServiceNow University Matters
One of the biggest hurdles to AI adoption isn’t technology—it’s talent. McDermott revealed a staggering statistic: “50% of AI jobs in the U.S. will go unfilled this year, and globally, 75% of AI jobs will remain vacant.” In the broader IT sector, around 10 million jobs worldwide could go unfilled due to a lack of skilled professionals. In India, where the IT industry employs over 5 million people (per NASSCOM 2024), this skills gap is a critical challenge.
To address this, ServiceNow has launched ServiceNow University, a program to train and certify individuals in AI and enterprise software skills. “You can’t hire a ghost,” McDermott quipped, emphasizing the need to upskill the workforce. Graduates of the program receive a diploma, equipping them to fill high-demand AI roles in the global economy. For engineering students or professionals, this is a golden opportunity to future-proof your career. Interested in getting certified? Visit ServiceNow’s Training Portal.
Why AI Is a Game-Changer for Indian Businesses
McDermott’s insights highlight the transformative power of AI for India:
- Efficiency Gains: Automating manual processes with agentic AI frees up talent for higher-value work, boosting productivity.
- Cost Savings: Partnering with ServiceNow can lower operational costs, especially for large corporations, by consolidating tech stacks.
- Growth Opportunities: AI enables businesses to scale faster, innovate, and compete globally—key for India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy by 2027 (per Ministry of Commerce).
- Employee Happiness: Streamlined workflows reduce burnout, creating a happier, more engaged workforce.
For example, a logistics company using ServiceNow could automate its supply chain management, reducing delays and costs while improving delivery times—a win for both the business and its customers. Posts on X echo this excitement, with users noting how AI is helping Indian firms “leapfrog” traditional challenges.
How to Get Started with AI in Your Career or Business
AI isn’t just for tech giants—it’s for everyone. Here’s how you can jump on board:
- For Students: Enroll in AI courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy to build foundational skills. Start with Coursera’s AI for Everyone.
- For Professionals: Explore ServiceNow University to get certified and boost your employability in AI-driven roles.
- For Businesses: Consider a pilot project with ServiceNow to test AI’s impact on your operations. Focus on the value—productivity gains, cost savings—not just the price.
- Stay Informed: Follow AI trends on Analytics India Magazine to understand how AI is shaping industries in India.
What’s Next for India’s AI Journey?
McDermott’s vision positions ServiceNow as a leader in the 21st-century enterprise software space, with India at the heart of this transformation. By partnering with major players like Reliance and addressing the global skills gap, ServiceNow is paving the way for India to become an AI powerhouse. But the stakes are high—McDermott warns that companies ignoring AI risk obsolescence.
What do you think about India’s shift to an AI mindset? Are you ready to embrace AI in your career or business? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take! For more on AI’s impact in India, check out NASSCOM’s AI Reports.