ET Auto · 9 Sep, 07:48 · Technology briefing

From make in India to create in India: The next auto tech leap

The automotive sector is shifting from domestic focus from mere manufacturing to indigenous innovation and technology creation.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

The automotive sector is shifting from domestic focus from mere manufacturing to indigenous innovation and technology creation. This strategic pivot aims to elevate India’s role in global auto tech development, moving beyond assembly lines to core research and design. The transition supports broader economic goals by fostering homegrown intellectual property and advanced engineering capabilities. Professionals must recognise this structural change as it redefines value chains within the industry. The report highlights a clear industry trajectory towards self-reliance in technological solutions, signalling significant opportunities for those engaged in product development, software integration, and advanced engineering disciplines within the automotive landscape.

Employer demand for AI in Automotive skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt to this shift from assembly to innovation. Traditional manufacturing roles face stagnation, while expertise in software integration, electric vehicle architecture, and autonomous systems rises sharply. You should prioritise upskilling in digital engineering and data analytics to remain relevant. Pay attention if you work in R&D, software development, or strategic planning within automotive firms. A smart professional audits their current skill set against emerging tech demands immediately. You should seek certifications in AI applications for vehicles or sustainable engineering practices. Networking with industry leaders focused on indigenous tech creation will also prove valuable. Do not wait for your employer to guide this transition; take proactive steps to align your career with India’s new innovation-driven automotive agenda.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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