Action Pathway
Technology and Innovation Ecosystems
We work with local partners to strengthen technology ecosystems that help countries adapt to change, govern innovation, and create economic opportunity.
New technologies—such as AI—are reshaping jobs, services, markets, and public life throughout Asia and the Pacific. So far, the benefits are uneven, and the rules, skills, infrastructure, and institutions needed to guide that change often lag the pace of innovation. Fast-moving tools such as AI can open new economic opportunities and improve how governments and businesses work, but weak data systems, limited digital skills, cybersecurity risks, language barriers, and fragmented policy environments can keep innovation from translating into practical gains.
Meeting a challenge of this scale will take structural change. We work with local partners to strengthen the systems that help countries use technology well—supporting research, policy development, skills building, institutional capacity, and cross-sector collaboration so governments, businesses, educators, and civic actors can turn new ideas into better services, stronger economies, public trust, and wider opportunity.
Approach
We work with governments, universities, civil society organizations, regional bodies, businesses, and local innovators to strengthen the practical systems that help technology serve public needs and economic opportunity. We help partners identify policy and market gaps, test practical ideas, build institutional skills, and support reforms or tools that can continue beyond a single project. This work includes research, policy development, training, technical support, or using our credibility with different organizations and sectors to convene groups that need to solve shared problems, such as responsible AI use, cybersecurity, digital skills, or access to data. By helping local partners move from ideas to implementation, we support stronger technology systems that improve services, expand opportunity, and help institutions make better decisions.
Impact
Helped the Philippines enact telecommunications and legislative reforms on satellite-based broadband, allowing entry of satellite providers into the consumer broadband market
Advanced local data ecosystem reforms in Nepal, increasing monthly users from 500 to more than 140,000 at the Statistics Office’s National Data Portal
Established five career centers in Cambodia, providing career guidance, skills workshops, job placement support, and networking opportunities
Provided foundational digital skills training to more than 200,000 individuals across ASEAN countries
Featured Programs
Boosting Cybersecurity Across Asia and the Pacific
Small enterprises going digital are vulnerable to growing cyber threats. The APAC Cybersecurity Fund provides them with practical tools and skills to operate securely in the digital economy.
Providing Digital Skills to Expand Economic Opportunity
Our programming helps provide Southeast Asia’s small businesses with the digital skills they need to adapt, compete, and grow.
Clearing the Air Through Women-Led Energy Solutions
Mongolia’s urban smog has enormous economic and social costs. Our programming helps women entrepreneurs install energy systems that reduce pollution and energy costs and allow them to focus on growing their businesses.