Development Archives | Page 4 of 538 | Digital Watch Observatory

ILO warns of protection gaps as labour markets undergo rapid change

The International Labour Organization has called for a significant strengthening of social protection systems, warning that existing frameworks are failing to keep pace with rapidly changing labour markets.

A new report highlights widespread gaps in coverage, adequacy, and financing that leave millions of workers vulnerable.

The publication urges Member States to extend protection to all forms of employment, including temporary, part-time, self-employed, and informal work. It also stresses that benefits must be more comprehensive, supporting individuals through key life and work transitions such as unemployment, illness, and retirement.

Sustainable financing is identified as a central requirement, with the ILO pointing to social security contributions, progressive taxation, and targeted public subsidies as key tools. International solidarity is also noted as important for countries with limited fiscal capacity.

Why does it matter?

The report concludes that strong social protection systems are essential for resilience in a world shaped by climate change, technological disruption, and demographic pressures, helping ensure social stability and fairer labour market transitions.

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EU approves Italian State aid to support graphene-based photonic chip development

The European Commission has approved a €211 million Italian State aid measure to support the development of photonic chips based on graphene technology.

A funding will be provided to the Italian SME CamGraPhIC, with project activities taking place in Pisa and Bergamo.

Such an initiative focuses on optical transceivers that transmit data using light rather than electrons. The use of graphene instead of silicon is expected to enhance performance and energy efficiency across sectors such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace and defence.

The Commission assessed the measure under the EU State aid rules and concluded that the funding is necessary, proportionate and aligned with research and innovation objectives. It also found that the project would not proceed without public support, demonstrating an incentive effect.

A decision that reflects broader EU efforts to strengthen semiconductor capabilities and support advanced digital technologies through targeted public investment and regulatory oversight.

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UK government applies AI to improve efficiency in transport policy consultations

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has introduced generative AI tools to speed up the analysis of public consultations, significantly reducing time and operational costs. Managing 55 consultations yearly, the department often handles over 100,000 responses per process, previously requiring months of manual review.

A new Consultation Analysis Tool, built with Google Cloud and the Alan Turing Institute, processes large datasets within hours using advanced AI. The system identifies key themes with up to 90% accuracy, enabling faster policy responses while delivering estimated annual savings of £4 million.

Beyond consultation analysis, the department has expanded its use of AI across infrastructure planning and public communication. Cloud-based tools support sustainable transport decisions and help draft public inquiry responses by retrieving policy data and generating structured replies.

Human oversight remains central to the framework. AI-generated outputs are reviewed for accuracy, fairness, and bias, ensuring that final decisions stay with policy experts while maintaining transparency and public trust in government processes.

At a wider level, this reflects how AI can strengthen evidence-based policymaking, improve administrative efficiency, and free up expert capacity for higher-value decision-making, provided that transparency, accountability, and human oversight remain embedded in the process.

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EU launches Mediterranean digital programme to support governance, cybersecurity and skills

The European Commission has launched a digital transformation programme for countries in North Africa and the Middle East, marking the first digital initiative under the Pact for the Mediterranean.

EU aims to support inclusive and sustainable growth by improving access to digital services and strengthening regulatory alignment.

The initiative focuses on enhancing digital governance by aligning telecommunications regulations with the EU standards and strengthening national regulatory authorities. It also promotes regional cooperation by creating coordinated networks across participating countries.

Cybersecurity forms a central component, with measures designed to improve national frameworks and institutional capacity to prevent and respond to cyber threats.

Additionally, the programme advances digital skills development based on EU competency frameworks, supporting long-term capacity development.

Such an approach reflects a broader policy objective to foster regional digital integration, strengthen institutional resilience and promote secure and inclusive digital transformation across neighbouring regions.

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AI reshapes classrooms and universities across Vietnam education system

AI is becoming a central part of education in Vietnam, changing how schools are managed, how students learn, and how research is carried out. Officials say the shift is part of the country’s wider digital transformation in education.

Nguyễn Sơn Hải of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training said earlier reforms focused on digitising activities, while AI is now reshaping teaching and administration more broadly. The ministry is also preparing legal and policy frameworks to support safe and controlled AI use in education.

Authorities have identified priorities, including AI skills for learners, shared digital platforms, and stronger infrastructure. An AI education programme for junior secondary pupils is being piloted and is expected to begin officially in the 2026–2027 academic year.

Universities are also adapting their strategies as AI changes higher education. Hanoi University of Science and Technology said it is redesigning training, assessment, and digital systems to reflect these changes.

At the same time, institutions, including Thai Nguyen University, are linking research more closely with business and local development needs. Officials say wider access to internet services and devices remains essential to ensure equal access to digital education.

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EU AI Continent Action Plan shows progress in infrastructure, data and governance

The European Commission has reported significant progress under its AI Continent Action Plan, marking one year of implementation aimed at strengthening Europe’s position in AI. The strategy focuses on infrastructure, data, talent, adoption and trustworthy AI.

Investment in computational capacity has expanded, with AI factories deployed across European supercomputers and further large-scale facilities in development. These initiatives aim to increase access to advanced computing resources for researchers and emerging companies.

On data governance, the Commission introduced the Data Union Strategy and complementary regulatory measures to improve data sharing and provide legal certainty for businesses.

Efforts to support talent development and mobility, alongside new training initiatives in the EU, form another central component of the plan.

The programme also promotes AI adoption across public and industrial sectors through targeted funding and coordinated initiatives. The overall approach reflects a policy framework designed to balance innovation with regulatory oversight and alignment with European values.

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Serpro joins Brazil-China AI cooperation protocol

Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Serpro, and the Chinese company iFlytek have signed a cooperation protocol on AI focused on building national capabilities for the functioning of the state.

According to Serpro, the protocol forms part of broader Brazil–China cooperation in science and technology. Acting Minister Luis Fernandes said the initiative aims to foster joint technology development and knowledge transfer with Brazil, with implications for digital sovereignty.

The protocol sets guidelines for cooperation in research, development, and capacity-building in AI, with a focus on large language models adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, translation and accessibility systems, cybersecurity applications, and AI infrastructure in Brazil. Serpro said the initiative also covers data centres, secure cloud, and interoperable data platforms.

Serpro will lead the technical execution of the initiative. The company said its role is to connect research, public policy, and delivery of public services, and added that it already has more than 300 AI-based solutions in its portfolio. The protocol also provides for training measures, including researcher exchanges, courses, technical visits, and scholarships.

The Serpro announcement states that initiatives under the protocol will depend on specific instruments to be concluded between the participants. It also presents the partnership as part of a broader effort to strengthen Brazil’s AI technical capacity through international cooperation.

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Microsoft outlines approach to scaling AI across organisational systems

A shift from early AI adoption towards what it terms ‘frontier transformation’ has been described by Microsoft, where AI is integrated into core organisational processes.

Such an approach reflects how AI is increasingly embedded within everyday workflows rather than used in isolated pilots.

According to Microsoft, scaling AI requires moving beyond experimentation and establishing structured operating models. It includes addressing practical challenges such as data integration, system reliability, and alignment with organisational objectives.

A framework that also highlights the importance of governance and execution, with AI systems expected to operate under defined standards similar to other critical infrastructure. Something that involves coordination across platforms, internal processes, and external partners.

Why does it matter?

Frontier transformation illustrates a broader transition in how organisations approach AI deployment, focusing on long-term integration, operational consistency, and scalable implementation across different sectors.

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Armenia plans AI road scanning system

Armenpress reports that the Government of the Republic of Armenia plans to acquire an AI-powered road-scanning device to improve infrastructure maintenance. The system is intended to assess road conditions and guide repair decisions.

According to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia, the device will scan roads and use AI to determine the type and depth of repairs required. This includes identifying whether partial repairs or full reconstruction are needed.

Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia, Davit Khudatyan, stated that the AI technology will provide a detailed analysis by passing over road surfaces. The system is expected to improve planning and maintenance efficiency.

The project is estimated to cost between 500 and 600 million drams and forms part of broader efforts to modernise infrastructure management in Armenia.

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Consultation opens on measuring AI energy consumption and emissions in the EU

The European Commission has launched a targeted consultation on measuring the energy consumption and emissions of AI models and systems as part of a broader study on energy-efficient, low-emission AI in the European Union. The consultation seeks stakeholder input on the energy consumption and energy efficiency of general-purpose AI models.

Responses will help refine the study and contribute to a measurement framework for the AI Act’s energy-related objectives, while also supporting the design of a potential AI energy and emissions label, according to the consultation page.

The consultation targets companies ranging from start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises to large enterprises, as well as other organisations that develop and deploy general-purpose AI models or AI systems, alongside their component and service suppliers.

Background information published by the Commission states that the EU AI Act includes provisions on energy consumption and transparency. Providers of general-purpose AI models are required to document the known or estimated energy consumption of their models as part of their technical documentation obligations under Annex XI of the AI Act.

Input is also sought on the accessibility of data needed to assess energy consumption during both training and inference, as well as on the suitability of different AI performance indicators. The Commission says its goal is to develop a robust, industry-informed framework for measuring AI energy consumption and efficiency.

Registered participants will receive an anonymous online questionnaire, and the AI Office will publish a summary of the results based on aggregated data. Respondents will not be directly quoted.

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