Shaping an Inclusive and Sustainable Future of Work in Asia
The Asia Pacific region is diverse, with significant differences in labor markets, institutions, and stages of development. Home to over 60% of the global population and more than half of the world’s workforce, this region plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of work.
However, the region is facing transformative challenges. Megatrends such as rapid advancements in digital technology—particularly AI—climate change, and demographic shifts are reshaping labor markets in profound ways. These changes are disrupting traditional employment patterns, widening inequalities, and creating new opportunities and risks across sectors.
Technological advancements, including automation, AI, and the rise of platform-based work, are transforming job markets. While some roles are being displaced, new ones are emerging, demanding different skill sets. Unfortunately, the impact is often felt disproportionately by marginalized groups. At the same time, the urgency of addressing climate change is driving transitions to low-carbon economies, which will impact labor markets across industries.
Demographic trends, such as aging populations and rising migration, are adding further complexity, straining social protection systems and reshaping workforce dynamics. As these megatrends unfold, FutureWORKS Asia aims to provide insights and solutions for navigating these challenges, ensuring that the future of work is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for all.
FutureWORKS Asia
FutureWORKS Asia is part of a global initiative supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada, aimed at addressing the evolving challenges in the world of work across the Global South. As the Asian arm of the broader FutureWORKS network, this project focuses on conducting innovative, high-quality research to understand and shape the future of work in the region.
Over the next five years, LIRNEasia will lead the development of this regional research network and commission high-quality, innovative and gender responsive research and lead a regional research network to advance skills and policies for an inclusive and sustainable future of work in Asia. LIRNEasia, will award over 12 research grants over the period of five years, through a competitive selection process to this end.
Through collaboration with regional stakeholders, policy influencers, and research partners, LIRNEasia aims to create a vibrant research network that will generate actionable insights and promote policy recommendations to advance skills for the future of work in Asia. The project will also help shape public policy processes, driving innovation and fostering the creation of equitable and sustainable employment opportunities across the region.
FutureWORKS Asia is part of a broader, collaborative global network that will span multiple regions of the Global South. Similar networks are being developed in Africa by the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Ghana; in the MENA region by the American University of Beirut; and in Latin America and the Caribbean by Red Sudamericana de Economía Aplicada. These regional efforts will be brought together through a global hub led by the JustJobs Network, which will facilitate knowledge-sharing, dissemination, and capacity-building activities across all regions. These activities will occur at both the regional and global levels over the course of the project, fostering greater collaboration and insight into the future of work.
The first cycle of grants is currently underway, with the first call for papers having been published in June.
Complete Call for Proposals: Call for proposals | Annex 1 | Annex 2
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