How India can benefit from IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to devices connected over a network. This network allows devices to share data and lets users monitor or operate them remotely. Smart TVs, watches and cars that connect to the internet are all examples of IoT technology. Creative digital agencies are speeding along the process, combining new technologies with successful app designs.

Although these devices can potentially benefit people in any corner of the world, they’re already making a major impact in India. Thanks to the IoT, Indians will soon have access to new jobs, enjoy more reliable infrastructure and perhaps even live longer. Here’s how:

The IoT is Changing the Job Market

SAP recently partnered with Vodafone to boost the adoption of IoT solutions among Indian enterprises. This benefits the country in two major ways. First, enterprises that take advantage of IoT solutions may leverage them for a variety of purposes. IoT devices can enhance supply chain logistics, identify manufacturing inefficiencies, help employees share data, and much more. Using them is a smart move for Indian enterprises.

Second, as more companies adopt these solutions, the need for IT professionals who understand and specialize in the IoT will increase. Those working in IT can distinguish themselves by learning more about the subject than their peers, thriving in an emerging job market before it becomes oversaturated.

IoT Solutions May Transform Communities & Trigger Competition

Qualcomm, an American company that makes chips for technology products wants to collaborate with Indian startups and telecom companies to develop use cases for IoT technology in the country. They’re also looking to build up the country’s infrastructure with IoT devices.

Again, this is a step that will benefit India in multiple ways. Local governments may soon allow companies to test various uses of the IoT and emerging technologies within communities. These tools would come in the form of “a smart lamp post or a smart meter,” according to Jim Cathey, president, Asia Pacific & India, Qualcomm International.

This form of infrastructure may grow more common if it proves useful. Theoretically, a smart lamp post could leverage data to run more efficiently, shutting down at times when it’s less likely to be useful to citizens. This reduces the costs involved in maintaining a safe community.

Many believe Indian telecom companies – which are already intensely competitive – will also strive to develop products that use these new technologies to offer new and unique features to customers. This could result in better products for Indian consumers, and potentially greater job opportunities for Indian employees.

Improving Major Industries:

The IoT is poised to transform many different industries throughout India. Agriculture and healthcare are two of the more noteworthy examples.

N. Vidyashankar, president of India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA), points out that 70% of rural Indian households depend on local agriculture. IoT solutions can improve farming methods by monitoring a crop’s nutritional needs, identifying nutrient-rich areas of soil, and providing farmers with data to boost crop yield. By integrating new technologies, Indian farms could produce more food than ever before.

Healthcare may also improve: Currently, there are approximately 48 doctors for every 100,000 citizens in India. IoT devices can help physicians monitor the wellbeing of patients more closely. This is especially important for patients who live in rural areas, where accessing medical care can be difficult.

Again, while the IoT is poised to benefit people throughout the world, it’s already proving its value in India. Unlike other countries, where many IoT solutions are geared towards consumer products, India shows how these devices can improve infrastructure, reduce hunger, pave the way for stronger medical care, and provide more job opportunities. It’s the kind of technological revolution that can change an entire country forever.

About the Author: Rae Steinbach is a graduate of Tufts University with a combined International Relations and Chinese degree. After spending time living and working abroad in China, she returned to New York City to pursue her career and continue curating quality content.