亚开行-通过中亚和西亚高增长产业的技能发展来驾驭第四次工业革命——来自阿塞拜疆、巴基斯坦和乌兹别克斯坦的见解（英）-2023.5-94页_1mb

4IR Skills Development in Central and West Asia: Insights from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan

Core Content

This document presents a study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on how countries in Central and West Asia—specifically Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan—can harness the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) through skills development in high-growth industries. The study focuses on two key industries in each country: agro-processing and transportation and storage in Azerbaijan; information technology-business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) and textile and garment manufacturing in Pakistan; and construction and textile and garment manufacturing in Uzbekistan.

Main Views

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is transforming labor markets globally, with significant implications for job displacement and creation. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 85 million jobs could be displaced, while 97 million new roles could emerge. The study emphasizes that while automation may cause job losses, it also creates opportunities for new and higher-skilled roles. However, these benefits can only be realized if there is a strategic investment in skills development and a workforce prepared for the future of work.

The ADB study highlights that the readiness of countries to adapt to 4IR varies. Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan are at the "Accelerate" phase of digital readiness, as per the Cisco Global Digital Readiness Index 2019. Despite this, there are significant gaps in understanding and implementation of 4IR technologies across these countries.

Key Findings

Skills Demand Trends

• Job Implications: The adoption of 4IR technologies is expected to lead to job displacement and creation in all industries analyzed.
• Task Implications: There is a shift in the nature of tasks, with more emphasis on digital and analytical skills.
• Skills Implications: Demand for digital and ICT skills, creative thinking, and critical thinking is increasing.

Skills Supply Trends

• The supply of relevant skills is lagging behind the demand, especially in digital and emerging technologies.
• There is a need for more flexible and multimodal training methods, including bootcamps, e-learning, and workplace-based training.

Emerging Jobs

• New job roles are expected to emerge, such as data analysts, AI specialists, and digital marketing experts.
• These jobs are likely to be in sectors that are undergoing significant digital transformation, including IT-BPO, textiles, and construction.

Training Landscape

• Surveys of employers and training institutions revealed that understanding of 4IR technologies is limited in many firms.
• Training institutions are increasingly recognizing the need to update curricula and incorporate technology-based delivery methods.
• There is a growing perception that digital transformation can enhance enterprise agility and responsiveness to market changes.

Policy Responses

• The study assesses the current policy landscape and identifies common gaps in policy implementation across the three countries.
• These include insufficient investment in skills development, limited industry engagement, and outdated curricula.
• It also highlights the importance of government policies in supporting digital transformation and workforce reskilling.

Key Recommendations

1. Develop 4IR Adoption Plans: Complement existing sector strategies with 4IR adoption plans.
2. Build Awareness of Digital Tools: Focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to increase their understanding and use of digital tools.
3. Strengthen Apprenticeships and Workplace-Based Training: Make these more relevant and accessible.
4. Promote Innovative Technologies in Training: Use AI, VR, and AR to enhance the training experience.
5. Ensure Responsive Education Systems: Update curricula and pedagogy to meet new skill needs.
6. Develop Targeted Programs for Women: Ensure that women can benefit from 4IR through inclusive training and policy initiatives.

Industry-Specific Priorities

• Azerbaijan: Focus on agro-processing and transportation and storage. Increase digital literacy and support for SMEs.
• Pakistan (Punjab): Prioritize IT-BPO and textile and garment manufacturing. Improve collaboration between training institutions and employers.
• Uzbekistan: Emphasize construction and textile and garment manufacturing. Strengthen policies for workforce reskilling and digital transformation.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of skills development in preparing the workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It calls for a comprehensive and flexible approach to training, with a focus on digital skills, innovation, and inclusivity. The findings and recommendations aim to support policy makers in creating an environment conducive to the adoption of 4IR technologies and ensuring that the benefits are widely shared across all sectors and demographics.

Key Information

• The study was conducted by ADB, with collaboration from experts and stakeholders in the three countries.
• It includes data from employer and training institution surveys, as well as analysis of online job portals.
• The report outlines a synthesis of findings from three country reports and provides actionable recommendations for each country.
• The ADB recommends a life-long learning approach to skills development, emphasizing the need for regular upskilling and reskilling.