Dr Lakmini Fernando Highlights the Importance of Digitalisation for Labour Productivity in Asia and the Pacific Regions

2-4 October 2024

“At a time when employment was heavily impacted by social distancing and mobility restrictions during COVID-19, digital inclusion has emerged as a key driver of productivity in Asia and the Pacific regions,” said Dr Lakmini Fernando, IPS Research Fellow.

Her study, presented at the Asian Think Tanks Network (ATTN) Forum held in Jakarta from 2-4 October 2024, explored the impacts of digital inclusion on labour productivity across geographic regions and income levels. The forum was organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Dr Fernando highlighted that digital tools and infrastructure access have positively impacted labour productivity in Asia and the Pacific regions mainly through increased availability of digital tools like usage, quality, infrastructure and electricity access. However, challenges remain, including the affordability of digital services, the relevance of digital content, and varying levels of digital readiness across countries to reap the full benefits of digitalisation.

The ATTN forum focused on leveraging digitalisation as a means for inclusive growth, emphasising the need for targeted policy interventions and infrastructure investments to bridge digital divides and promote sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific.