Future of work Archives | Page 2 of 233 | Digital Watch Observatory

California challenges federal approach with new AI rules

The government of California is advancing a more interventionist approach to AI governance, signalling a divergence from federal deregulatory preferences.

An executive order signed by Gavin Newsom mandates the development of comprehensive AI policies within 4 months, prioritising public safety and protecting fundamental rights.

The proposed framework requires companies seeking state contracts to demonstrate safeguards against harmful outputs, including the prevention of child exploitation material and violent content.

It also calls for measures addressing algorithmic bias and unlawful discrimination, alongside increased transparency through mechanisms such as watermarking AI-generated media.

Federal guidance has discouraged state-level intervention, framing such efforts as obstacles to technological leadership.

The evolving policy landscape reflects growing concern over the societal impact of AI systems, including risks to employment, content integrity and civil liberties.

An initiative by California that may therefore serve as a testing ground for future regulatory models, shaping broader debates on balancing innovation with accountability in digital governance.

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AI capacity partnership links UNDP and Intel in Lesotho and Liberia

The United Nations Development Programme and Intel are working together to expand AI training and digital skills in Lesotho and Liberia under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025. According to UNDP, the partnership is intended to combine global technical expertise with local leadership as both countries pursue broader digital transformation goals.

Lesotho and Liberia are approaching the issue from different starting points.UNDP says Lesotho is aiming for universal digital access by 2030, while Liberia is investing in AI in higher education and governance systems to prepare for the future digital economy. Through its partnership with Intel, the UN’s global development network says it is helping close gaps in AI literacy and capacity-building so communities can better understand how AI may affect everyday life.

In Lesotho, UNDP says it has already helped establish 40 Digital Skills Learning Labs and train 40 Digital Ambassadors, including teachers, religious leaders, and local influencers. Intel’s ‘AI for Citizens (AI Community Experiences)’ programme was introduced to provide locally relevant training materials for low-connectivity environments. UNDP says the onboarding included virtual sessions using games and storytelling, while analogue activities and puzzles were used to explain concepts such as computer vision.

Liberia’s work has focused more on higher education and the public sector. UNDP says it supported the University of Liberia in designing its first Master of AI programme through six online sessions with global experts and in-person workshops involving 20 faculty members. The collaboration also extended to government, with targeted training for nearly 100 officials on how AI could improve public service delivery and inform policy decisions.

Anshul Sonak, Global Head of Intel Digital Readiness Programs, said: ‘We are deeply honoured to be a part of the AI training collaboration in Liberia with UNDP. Bringing AI skills and digital literacy to a country rich in history and potential was an amazing experience. We look forward to more collaborations in the future and finding more opportunities for Intel to be a player in the region.’

UNDP says future phases may include expanding training to more communities and countries, adapting content to local languages and contexts, and adding online components as connectivity improves. Dhani Spiller, Head of UNDP’s Digital Capacity Lab, said: ‘This partnership shows what’s possible when we combine UNDP’s development mandate with the innovation and technical depth of private-sector leaders.’

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Funding boost for UK cities innovation sector

The UK government has pledged up to £20 million to boost the creative technology sector in the Tay Cities Region. The investment aims to support innovation in areas such as video games and virtual reality while driving economic growth.

Funding will help develop local talent and accelerate projects from early research to commercial products. The initiative focuses on strengthening collaboration between businesses, researchers and public bodies to expand opportunities across the region.

Centred around Dundee and the surrounding areas, the programme will build on an established reputation in digital industries. Universities and industry partners are expected to play a key role in delivering research, training and access to investment networks.

UK officials say the move will create jobs and open new markets, while supporting emerging applications in sectors including healthcare and education. The funding forms part of a wider national strategy to strengthen innovation and regional economies.

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EPO strengthens industry collaboration on European patent innovation

The European Patent Office (EPO) has reinforced cooperation with industry stakeholders through discussions with the German Association of Industry IP Experts, focusing on strengthening the European patent system and supporting innovation.

A meeting that brought together representatives from major industrial actors to align priorities and explore future collaboration.

Discussions between the EPO and the stakeholders centred on enhancing technology transfer, empowering startups and fostering economic growth across Europe.

Participants emphasised the importance of inclusive engagement among patent system users instead of fragmented approaches, ensuring that innovation strategies reflect both industrial and societal needs.

The Unitary Patent system was highlighted as gaining traction, particularly among smaller entities such as SMEs, individual inventors and research organisations. Such a trend reflects broader efforts to improve accessibility and scalability within the European innovation ecosystem.

AI also featured prominently, with both sides recognising its growing role in improving efficiency and quality in patent processes.

A human-centric approach remains essential, ensuring that AI deployment supports responsible innovation while maintaining high standards in patent examination and services.

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Technology reshapes pensions engagement

New technology is reshaping how people engage with pensions, according to Financial Conduct Authority chief executive Nikhil Rathi. Speaking in London, he highlighted the growing role of AI and digital tools in helping savers better understand their retirement finances.

Pensions dashboards are expected to give millions a clearer view of their savings, potentially driving greater engagement and behavioural change. Increased visibility may encourage actions such as consolidating pension pots or adjusting contributions.

London officials warn that stronger engagement brings risks as well as opportunities, with many consumers still lacking clear retirement plans. Policymakers aim to balance protection with flexibility, promoting informed decisions while avoiding overly restrictive systems.

Advances in AI are also enabling more personalised financial guidance, making it easier for users to explore retirement scenarios. Experts say the future of pensions will depend on integrating savings, housing and wider financial planning into a more connected system.

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MIT uses AI to detect atomic material defects

Researchers at MIT have developed an AI model capable of identifying and quantifying atomic-scale defects in materials without damaging them. The approach aims to improve the design and performance of semiconductors, batteries, and solar cells.

The model analyses data from neutron-scattering experiments and can detect up to six different point defects simultaneously. Trained on 2,000 semiconductor materials, it analyses atomic vibrations to estimate defect types and concentrations that are hard for traditional methods to measure.

Conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction or electron microscopy typically capture only limited aspects of material defects and often require destructive testing. The AI system uses pattern recognition to build a more complete picture, offering a non-invasive option for manufacturing quality control.

Researchers say the method could eventually be adapted to more widely used tools such as Raman spectroscopy, making industrial adoption more practical. Future work will also extend the model beyond point defects to larger structural features in materials.

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New Microsoft Copilot update brings deeper enterprise AI integration

Microsoft has expanded its Microsoft 365 Copilot platform with new AI capabilities designed to handle complex, multi-step workflows across workplace applications. The update integrates AI into business tools, combining multiple models to improve reasoning and execution.

A key addition is Copilot Cowork, a system designed to manage longer tasks by breaking down user requests into structured plans. It can coordinate actions across apps, manage schedules, and track progress while allowing users to intervene at each stage.

The feature is currently available through Microsoft’s Frontier programme.

Further upgrades come through Researcher, an AI tool that synthesises information from multiple sources to produce detailed reports with citations. A new Critique function uses two models, one generating outputs and the other refining them to improve accuracy and reliability.

Microsoft says the updates aim to shift Copilot from a content-generation tool to an execution-focused assistant capable of carrying out real work processes. Early adopters report better planning, scheduling, and structured deliverables in enterprise environments.

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UK backs quantum technology with £2 billion plan

The UK government has unveiled a £2 billion package to accelerate quantum technology development and deploy large-scale quantum computers. The plan aims to position the United Kingdom as a global leader in a field expected to rival AI.

Ministers said the programme will support research, skills and infrastructure while creating high-paid jobs. A new procurement scheme will invite companies to build prototype quantum systems, with the most advanced designs scaled for national use.

The initiative will integrate research, manufacturing and investment to speed up commercial applications in the UK. Officials believe quantum technology could transform sectors such as healthcare, energy and cybersecurity while boosting long-term economic growth.

Industry partnerships and university collaborations will play a central role in delivering the strategy. Experts say the approach could unlock major breakthroughs, though success will depend on sustained investment and global competition.

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ILO and World Bank paper says GenAI may deepen labour-market divides

A joint working paper by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank says generative AI is likely to reshape labour markets globally, but not in the same way across countries.

The paper finds that advanced economies face greater overall exposure, while developing economies may see disruption arrive faster than productivity gains due to weaker digital infrastructure and differences in how work is organised.

Prepared as a background study for the World Development Report 2026, the paper examines labour-market exposure to GenAI across 135 countries, covering about two-thirds of global employment. According to the study, digital infrastructure and job-task composition are among the main factors shaping the distribution of risks and opportunities between advanced and developing economies.

Exposure is highest in advanced economies, especially in clerical and professional occupations. Lower-income countries are less exposed overall, but the paper says structural constraints reduce their ability to benefit from the technology. A central concern is that workers in jobs vulnerable to automation are often already online, even in poorer settings, meaning displacement could happen relatively quickly.

The paper also says many of the jobs most exposed to automation in developing economies are relatively higher-quality roles, including clerical and administrative work that has often provided a route into decent employment, especially for women and young workers. AI-driven automation, the study warns, could narrow those pathways.

Potential gains are also uneven. Many workers in jobs that could benefit from GenAI lack reliable internet access in lower-income settings. The paper adds that the same occupation title can involve different tasks depending on the country, with workers in poorer economies often carrying out fewer non-routine analytical tasks, relying less on computers, and doing more routine or manual work. Such differences reduce the scope for productivity gains from GenAI deployment.

ILO and the World Bank conclude in the paper that GenAI’s labour-market effects will depend not only on the technology itself, but also on digital connectivity, skills, task organisation, labour-market institutions, and social protection. Expanded digital access, stronger skills policies, and better labour protections are presented as necessary if the gains from GenAI are to be shared more broadly.

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South Korea sets ambition to become AI leader

South Korea has unveiled a national strategy to become one of the world’s top three AI powers by 2028. The plan combines investment in digital infrastructure, data systems and next-generation connectivity.

Authorities aim to expand networks by advancing 5G capabilities and preparing for the commercial deployment of 6G by 2030. Cybersecurity and data integration are also key priorities to support a stronger digital ecosystem.

The strategy includes developing talent across education levels and investing in core technologies such as semiconductors and quantum computing. AI adoption is expected to expand across sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare and agriculture.

The South Korean officials also plan to promote digital inclusion through learning centres and assistive technologies. Coordination between ministries will be strengthened to ensure effective delivery of the long-term roadmap.

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