The Future of Work: Regional Perspectives

Abstract

This study, The Future of Work: Regional Perspectives, focuses on the likely repercussions of this major trend in developing and emerging economies in Africa; Asia; Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Southern and Eastern Mediterranean; and Latin America and the Caribbean. It is a joint effort of the four main regional development banks: the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Inter-American Development Bank. This study highlights the opportunities that changes in the dynamics of work might create for our regions. Technological progress could allow the countries we work with to grow faster and attain higher standards of living more rapidly than ever before. In fact, we argue that the biggest risk for many countries would be to miss out on this revolution. What matters is how well countries prepare to take advantage of these changes to maximize the opportunities, while addressing the likely risks and challenges. Appropriate responses at the level of the individual, the enterprise, and the government are needed. This study explores some of these responses. We are delighted to present this report to the policy makers, companies, and individuals of our member countries. We hope that, armed with the knowledge presented here, and with the support of our institutions, we can, together, foster a better future of work for all the peoples of our regions.