Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a key economic sector and generator of jobs and may be considered the backbone of the digital economy across all sectors. In many countries, the global ICT sector is facing a shortage of skilled ICT workers. A lack of skilled labour will constrain future growth and job creation in the sector, but with the right policies in place, the digital economy could make a significant contribution to advancing decent work and inclusive economic growth at the global, regional and national levels.

This report is the first outcome of the ILO development cooperation project entitled “The Future of Work in Information and Communication Technology”. The global research project focuses on anticipated needs for skilled workers and strategies for addressing labour shortages, including the scaling up of investments in ICT education and training, and more efficient management of ICT specialist migration flows. This report helps us gain a more comprehensive understanding of the most critical aspects of the future of work in ICT by assessing how technological changes, employment, skills development and migration in India, Indonesia and Thailand may be interrelated.