May 26, 2025

Digital transformation has been the mantra of corporate India for over a decade. Today, generative AI – machine learning models that create text, images, code and more – is emerging as the core engine of the next transformation wave. Leading analysts compare GenAI’s impact to that of electricity or the internet; McKinsey notes that AI “has arrived in the workplace and has the potential to be as transformative as the steam engine” of the Industrial Revolution. In India specifically, policymakers have tied the nation’s Vision 2047 ($30 trillion economy) to AI leadership, noting that future growth will be “powered by artificial intelligence”. In short, Indian companies that do not embrace generative AI risk being left behind. Yet becoming an AI-first enterprise – one that embeds AI across business models and operations – is not a simple plug-and-play task. Success requires clear strategic intent, investment, and patience. Deloitte reports that most GenAI projects today are small pilots (typically <20 use cases), and only a minority of those pilots scale quickly. Generative AI as the Foundation of Transformation Generative AI differs fundamentally from traditional analytics. Instead of only analyzing or classifying data, generative models produce new content – drafting text, writing code, designing images, and more. The technology itself is evolving at breakneck speed. Foundation models (large pre-trained neural nets) such as OpenAI’s GPT-4 or Google’s PaLM 2 can understand and generate rich content across modalities. Enterprises that seize these advances can multiply their innovation rate. But Gartner cautions that these models are not magic: outputs can be inaccurate or biased, so human review is essential. Moreover, achieving true scale requires integration with core systems and data, not just point solutions. Value and ROI of Generative AI Investing in generative AI is only justifiable if the results are concrete. The good news for executives is that early cases are already delivering value. Only through this exploratory phase substantial returns on investment can be realized. Source: pwc Deloittle’s 2024 GenAI survey reports that almost all organizations see measurable ROI from their most mature GenAI projects. About 20% of those ventures have yielded extremely high returns (over 30% ROI), and 74% of leaders say their top GenAI initiative is meeting or beating expectations (Source). Transforming Industries: Generative AI Use Cases for Indian Enterprises Generative AI’s reach is broad. The following highlights illustrate how GenAI is reshaping key industries, with a focus on Indian context: The Adoption Maturity Curve: From Pilots to AI Platforms Deloitte’s GenAI tracking reports confirm this trend: nearly two-thirds of firms are running 20 or fewer experiments/POCs, and over 70% expect that less than one-third of those pilots will be fully scaled in the next 3–6 months. However, the pipeline is being built. Among the experiments that do scale, certain functions tend to lead. Deloitte reports that advanced GenAI initiatives often start in IT operations and core digital functions (about 28% of such projects), followed by back-office operations, marketing, and customer service.Gartner predicts that in coming years enterprises will treat GenAI like any other IT platform – with APIs, governance layers, and dedicated support teams. Overcoming Barriers: Data, Governance, Talent, and Ethics The path to AI-first is fraught with challenges. Executives frequently cite four broad areas of concern: data readiness, governance, workforce skills, and ethical/regulatory risks. Addressing these is as crucial as the technology itself. Source: pwc Strategic Roadmap: Becoming an AI-First Enterprise in India Given these opportunities and hurdles, how should Indian business leaders proceed? Below are strategic guidance and action points to chart the AI-first journey: Organizations that move decisively to become “AI-first” will unlock new revenue streams,operate more efficiently, and be better positioned in India’s rapidly digitalizing economy. Conclusion Generative AI represents a strategic inflection point for enterprises worldwide – and nowhere is this more true than in India’s dynamic market. For Indian C-suite executives and tech leaders, the mandate is clear: make generative AI a cornerstone of your digital strategy. Use it to reimagine customer experiences, products, and operations. Back this with data-driven planning, robust governance, and a long-term perspective. Organizations that move first will set the standard, capturing market share and talent, while shaping industries around AI-powered models. In India’s ambitious quest to be a global technology leader, every industry – from manufacturing floors to boardrooms – will need to adopt an AI-first mindset.