AI Transformation in IT: Shifting Roles and Skills

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder and chairman of Infosys, highlighted a pivotal shift in the IT industry during Infosys’ Investor Day 2026. As AI becomes a core component of technology businesses, traditional roles are changing, and new skills are in demand. Nilekani emphasized that writing code is no longer the primary focus for software professionals; instead, making AI work effectively is now the main objective. This transition signifies a deep structural change within companies, requiring adaptations in jobs and business models. The discussion also identified which IT jobs are declining and which are on the rise, offering crucial insights for companies navigating this technological evolution.

Key Insights

• Front-End Web Developers, QA Testers, and IT Support Specialists are among the roles expected to decline as automation becomes more advanced.
• AI Engineers, AI Forensic Analysts, and Forward Deployed Engineers are emerging as vital roles in the tech industry.
• There is an urgent need for reskilling existing workforces to adapt to new AI-driven business models.
• Modernizing legacy systems presents significant challenges due to technical debt and data silos.
• Nilekani warns against the superficial adoption of AI without proper guidelines and quality controls.

Why This Matters

The Deep Impact of AI on IT Jobs

Artificial intelligence is not merely an additional tool in the IT toolkit; it fundamentally alters the landscape of tech-related jobs. Nandan Nilekani’s insights underscore that as AI embeds deeper into systems, the traditional skills that IT professionals relied on are evolving. This shift is driven by AI technologies that automate many routine tasks, reducing the need for roles such as QA Testers and IT Support Specialists. Instead, demand grows for roles that involve developing, implementing, and maintaining AI systems, such as AI Engineers and Data Annotators.

Skills Required for the AI Era

The transition to AI-centric roles highlights a critical need for reskilling within organizations. Companies must invest in training programs to prepare their workforce for roles like AI Leads and AI Forensic Analysts, who are essential for maintaining and improving AI models. Forward Deployed Engineers are becoming indispensable as they bridge the gap between development and operational deployment, ensuring AI solutions meet real-world demands.

Challenges of Modernizing Legacy Systems

Legacy systems, although deeply entrenched in many organizations, pose significant barriers to AI integration. These systems often come with technical debt and are bound by data silos, making modernization a complex task. The expertise required to update these systems is significant, and organizations may need to rely on seasoned professionals familiar with older technologies.

Ensuring Discipline in AI Deployment

AI’s capability to generate vast amounts of content and predictions does not inherently equate to quality. Without disciplined guidelines and explainability in AI deployment, organizations risk introducing more complexity than solutions. Nilekani stressed the importance of implementing quality gates and having clear usage guidelines to maximize the value of AI technologies.

Implications for Business and Policy

Businesses must navigate this transformation carefully, ensuring their strategic decisions are informed by the evolving nature of AI. For policymakers, the focus should be on supporting education and training initiatives that equip the workforce with necessary skills for AI-centric roles, thereby sustaining economic growth in rapidly changing tech environments.

What Comes Next

• Companies will need to accelerate reskilling programs to prepare the workforce for AI-driven roles.
• Investments in modernizing legacy systems will become a priority to leverage new AI capabilities effectively.
• There will be increased emphasis on developing frameworks for responsible AI deployment and usage.
• Governments and educational institutions may step up efforts to update curricula to include AI-related skills and knowledge.

Sources

• Infosys Investor Day 2026 ✔ Verified
• Profile of Nandan Nilekani ● Derived
• Industry Analysis Report ○ Assumption