Harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution through Skills Development in High-Growth Industries in Central and West Asia

Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies have brought about unprecedented changes to labor markets, and the coronavirus disease further hastened digital transformations. While the application of 4IR technologies spell opportunities for productivity growth and income gains, they also create challenges, including job losses. Investing in skills for 4IR and incorporating 4IR technologies in the delivery of training can smoothen the transition to 4IR workplaces. To provide insights on the opportunities of 4IR, studies were undertaken in three countries—Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. This report synthesizes findings and analysis from the three studies, drawn from (i) surveys of employers and training institutions, (ii) data collected from selected job portals in the three countries, and (iii) review of policies and strategies relating to 4IR. It lays out policy directions and actions to harness the benefits of 4IR for growth, employment, and inclusive development.