The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a study to identify whether developing countries have the potential to achieve the same level of economic success and advancement that developed nations have attained through industrialization, considering the multifaceted factors beyond technology that influence development trajectories.
The focus of the study is on the effects of the rise in the digital economy in developing countries and its potential to reshape their structural and productive landscapes.
The research, authored by Sarah Cook and Uma Rani titled: “Platform work in developing economies: Can digitalization drive structural transformation?” seen by Naijaonpoint examines the types of jobs created by digital platforms, such as delivery services, driving, caregiving, and web-based professional tasks like coding.
The research explores how digitalization could promote a human-centered, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable development, particularly by analyzing the work conditions of those in developing countries and viewing technology as a crucial tool for overcoming current developmental challenges towards a more digital, eco-friendly economy.
Despite acknowledging the transformative power of digital technologies, the report:
The authors therefore recommend the following:
This is significant not only for the workers but also for fostering an environment conducive to learning about technology and facilitating its adoption and diffusion, thereby boosting overall economic productivity.
The authors advocate for further studies to deepen understanding of these strategies.