Most Indians want self-employment as AI adoption accelerates: report
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A new LinkedIn report shows that a rising number of Indian professionals want to work for themselves, driven by rapid AI adoption, skill building, and strong professional networks.
The Small Business Work Change India Report found that more than 7 in 10 professionals say they hope to become self-employed in the near future.
According to the report, the number of Indian members adding the title of founder to their profiles has risen by 104% in one year. LinkedIn says this shift is being fuelled by three forces: AI adoption, brand credibility, and trusted networks.
The report says AI has already become central to small business operations in India. 82% of small and medium business leaders say AI has made starting and running a business easier. 97% use AI tools in some form. For 83%, AI is now critical for growth.
Indian SMBs are also investing heavily in skills. AI literacy has increased by 52% among companies with 11 to 200 employees. 81% say they are investing in AI capabilities. 95% of Indian SMBs are already investing in or planning AI adoption, a much higher share than the global average of 83%.
LinkedIn India Country Manager Kumaresh Pattabiraman said that India’s small businesses are moving with speed and ambition. He said that rapid AI adoption, a strong skilling culture, and powerful professional networks are changing how businesses build and scale. He added that LinkedIn will continue supporting SMBs as they move into 2026.
Globally, the report notes that small business owners are focusing on authenticity and connection. 61% create content themselves, and 71% say showing up authentically online matters. People skills are also gaining importance, with 88% saying they matter even more in the age of AI.
In India, 85% of marketers say audiences now trust real voices such as customers, employees, partners, and creators because they help people make better decisions. The report says that with more AI-generated content appearing online, SMBs are treating human relationships as essential for insight, opportunity, and resilience.