The Future of AI in Learning and the Labor Market in Bangladesh

Overview:

The study “The Future of AI in Learning and the Labor Market in Bangladesh” is a collaborative research initiative between the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK) and Evaluation and Consulting Services Ltd. (ECONS). This project explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education and employment in Bangladesh, aiming to generate evidence that can inform policies and training programs to better prepare the workforce for an AI-driven future.

Objectives:

The main objectives of the study are to:

  • Understand the impact of AI on learning outcomes and skill development.

  • Assess labor market trends and the readiness of Bangladesh’s workforce to adapt to AI-enabled changes.

  • Develop and test a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) to evaluate potential interventions that can enhance learning and employability.

  • Support evidence-based policy formulation for education and employment in the age of AI.

Study Components:

  1. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs):
    A total of 56 interviews with policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders to gather insights into AI adoption and its implications for learning and employment.

  2. Questionnaire Design and Translation:
    ECONS assists in adapting and translating survey instruments to align with Bangladesh’s cultural and labor market context.

  3. Randomized Control Trial (RCT) Development:
    Design and pre-pilot an RCT to evaluate interventions that support skill-building and workforce adaptability.

  4. Data Quality and Ethical Standards:

    • All interviews are audio-recorded (with consent) and transcribed verbatim to ensure accuracy.

    • Data is encrypted and securely shared with UTK.

    • All field staff are trained to follow strict ethical and confidentiality protocols.

Implementation Partner:

Evaluation and Consulting Services Ltd. (ECONS) is responsible for field implementation, training of enumerators, and coordination with stakeholders. Two specialized team members provide continuous research and technical support for data collection, management, and analysis.

Project Timeline:

  • March 2025 – November 2025

  • Deliverable 1 (July 2025): Submission of KII scripts and audio files.

  • Deliverable 2 (November 2025): RCT development report and pre-pilot data submission.

Study Location:

Dhaka District, Bangladesh

Funding and Partnership:

This study is funded by the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, USA.
Field implementation and data management are carried out by Evaluation and Consulting Services Ltd. (ECONS) in Bangladesh.