The future of work, artificial intelligence, and digital government: policy perspectives for Asia

The future of work in Asia is evolving toward increased flexibility, greater digital integration, improved scope for continuous learning, and a focus on employee well-being. The transformation in the nature of work opens avenues for policy makers to be at the forefront in enabling a digital revamp of traditional service delivery frameworks that can cater to the citizenry and allow greater participation. Digital public infrastructure in particular can address large-scale societal challenges, improve quality of life, stimulate economic growth, enhance social inclusion, and enable data-driven decision‑making. This policy brief argues that policy makers must recognize the urgency to act now to adapt to an AI-driven technology-led future of work. The brief provides insights on the implications of artificial intelligence and digitalization on the future of work, and offers perspectives for policy makers in Asia to design inclusive models for human capability development and workforce participation.

The brief recommends that governments implement comprehensive lifelong learning initiatives, including online e-learning platforms, upskilling programs, and professional development incentives, to enhance the capabilities of public employees as well as the citizenry. Governments should invest in fostering a proactive research culture within public institutions. This involves dedicating resources to study emerging economic trends, model future labor markets, and innovate with technological advancements. A motivated, efficient, and future-ready civil service can be encouraged by integrating incentives that reward both the achievement of specific outcomes and the pursuit of professional growth.

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