Global Labour Shortage by 2047 Could Be India’s Big Opportunity

New Delhi, September 16, 2025: Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation, in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), released a report on Monday stating that India’s young and resilient workforce presents an incredible opportunity to top the chart of the world’s next global talent hub. the report also cited that the global labour shortages are estimated to touch 250 million workers by 2047 across blue and white-collar jobs. The prime reasons for this concern are the declining birth rates and shrinking workforces across developed nations, which are causing acute shortages. As a result, millions of jobs are lying vacant and many businesses are struggling endlessly.

As far as the numbers go, a mere 20 countries account for 90 per cent of this labour gap. The countries include the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. 50 per cent of this gap comes from blue-collar roles of hospitality, transport and industry workers, while 20 per cent is accounted by service roles of nursing and teaching. The remaining 30 per cent are all white-collar jobs. Unfilled positions are already costing the global economy a whopping amount of over $1 trillion annually in lost productivity.

India’s Demographic Edge

India, on the other hand, carries the advantage of a demographic edge of relatively young population. Today, India’s median age is just under 30, all thanks to 600 million people between the ages of 18-40 compared to 40+ across OECD countries. Against the backdrop of 50 million global opportunities expected by 2030, India has the capacity to fill around one-fifth, i.e., 10 million.

Tapping Global Workforce Gaps by 2047

By 2047, advanced economies are likely to face a shortfall of 200-250 million workers. India, with its proven strengths in ICT and professional services has a unique opportunity to step into this gap. One must now look at scaling new frontiers  healthcare, green skills, and manufacturing, where demand is surging across the world.

Reforms Needed to Unlock India’s Full Potential

There is an urgent need for bold reforms to align qualifications, accelerate mobility, and embed global standards so that the country transforms into becoming the backbone of the global economy.

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