Future of Work Lab – Aspiring to Full, Gainful, and Inclusive Employment in the 4IR Era
The Future of Work Lab aims to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in Bangladesh. It focuses on enhancing skills, education, employment, and entrepreneurship to ensure that men and women, especially youth, can access full and gainful employment. The programme seeks to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth by aligning education and training with emerging industry demands, supporting innovation in employment services, and encouraging entrepreneurship, particularly for underrepresented groups.
Five-Axis Transformation via Future of Work Lab
Data: Collects labour market intelligence, real‐time skills demand data, and industry forecasts to align training programmes with future needs; monitors employment trends, unemployment patterns especially among youth, and impact of digitalisation.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance: Provides upskilling, reskilling, and soft skills training; supports capacity building of public and private training providers; assists institutions in modernising curricula; facilitates partnerships with private sector to ensure relevance of skills training.
Technology / Machinery: Encourages integration of digital tools and platforms for education and training delivery; supports use of emerging technologies in training environments; promotes digital entrepreneurship and technology adoption in small enterprises.
Finance: Helps reduce financial barriers for learners and entrepreneurs via grants, scholarships, or subsidised training; mobilises finance for entrepreneurship support; explores funding mechanisms to support inclusive employment programmes.
Policy: Supports development of policies that encourage innovation, labour protections in the evolving work landscape, regulation of gig economy, inclusion of digital skills in national education strategy, gender equity, and equitable access to emerging job markets.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Inclusive Employment Opportunities: Youth, women, and marginalised groups gain better access to jobs aligned with future demands, leading to more productive and dignified work.
Economic Resilience: By preparing the workforce for automation, digital transformation, and evolving industries, the country strengthens its economic resilience and competitiveness.
Entrepreneurial Growth: Entrepreneurship is promoted as an alternative pathway for employment, especially in rural or underserved areas, enabling innovation and small business development.
Alignment with Global Trends: The initiative positions Bangladesh to respond proactively to 4IR trends, digital transformation, and evolving global labour demands, reducing the risk of falling behind.
Gender and Social Inclusion: Focuses on ensuring that women and marginalised groups are not left out of emerging labour markets, improving equality and inclusion in the evolving economy.