AI for Development: A Conversation with ADBI Dean Bambang Brodjonegoro

As part of the APO Genuine AI Action (GAIA) Podcast Series, Professor Akira Igata of the University of Tokyo sat down with Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean (Chief Executive Officer) of the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping development, policy, and capacity building across Asia and the Pacific.

The discussion provides critical insights into how development institutions are adapting to the rapid evolution of AI—and what it means for inclusive growth in the region.

AI in ADBI’s Work and Capacity Building

Professor Akira Igata:How has artificial intelligence influenced ADBI’s work program, particularly in research and capacity building?

Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro:Artificial intelligence and digital transformation have become central to ADBI’s work, both in research and in capacity building. Our focus is on understanding how these technologies are reshaping national development priorities and long-term growth trajectories across Asia.

Last year, we launched our flagship program, “Shaping Asia’s Future Prosperity with Quality Growth.” Within this framework, digital transformation and innovation form a key pillar. This includes examining productivity impacts, labor market outcomes, structural transformation, and distributional effects.

Together with partners, including APO, we are organizing policy dialogues across these pillars. These engagements will deepen our understanding of the policy landscape and inform future research.

Key AI Priorities for Development Institutions

Professor Akira Igata:Looking ahead, what are the most important AI-related issues that institutions like ADBI should focus on?

Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro:A central priority is ensuring that AI does not exacerbate existing inequalities.

Development institutions must support governments in designing regulatory and policy frameworks that ensure AI is accessible and beneficial to all segments of society. This is especially critical in labor markets, where AI’s distributional impacts could be significant.

Without careful policy design, the benefits of AI could become concentrated among highly skilled workers or capital owners, widening socioeconomic gaps.

How AI Will Transform Capacity Building

Professor Akira Igata:How do you see AI transforming capacity building itself—whether in training, research dissemination, or policy dialogue?

Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro:AI will transform both the content and the delivery of capacity building.

On the content side, AI is now a core development topic. Training programs, research outputs, and policy discussions will increasingly incorporate AI-related issues and solutions.

On the delivery side, AI can enable new formats—such as e-learning platforms, online training, and more accessible webinars—making knowledge dissemination more scalable and inclusive.

At the same time, as AI tools allow instant access to vast information, the way we teach must also evolve. Skills such as critical thinking and the ability to ask the right questions become essential.

Integrating AI literacy and analytical skills into curricula will be key to preparing individuals and institutions for this transformation.

AI Policy and Development in Asia-Pacific

Professor Akira Igata:ADBI hosted the Regional Consultation on the World Development Report 2026: Artificial Intelligence for Development in December 2025. What stood out to you from those discussions?

Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro:One of the most striking observations was how quickly AI has moved to the center of policy discussions across the region.

Governments are actively examining AI’s implications for employment, public service delivery, and governance. Many have already developed national AI strategies and roadmaps, reflecting the significant economic opportunities AI presents.

Bridging the Gap: Readiness and Opportunity

Professor Akira Igata:Asia-Pacific economies vary significantly in digital readiness. Where do you see the main gaps and opportunities?

Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro:An important insight is that digital readiness is not the same as AI readiness.

While digital infrastructure may be relatively widespread, AI readiness remains highly uneven, with only a small number of advanced economies fully positioned to harness its benefits.

For AI to support inclusive growth, countries must first strengthen foundational elements:

• Digital infrastructure

• Data systems

• Human capital and digital skills

At the same time, opportunities already exist—particularly in public service delivery, where AI can improve efficiency and inclusiveness even in less advanced economies.

However, accelerating AI adoption will require:

• Significant investment, including foreign capital

• Stronger regional cooperation

• Improved governance frameworks to facilitate cross-border capital flows and innovation

Financial technologies can also play an important role in mobilizing domestic resources, provided that enabling ecosystems are in place.

AI, Labor Markets, and Public Services

Professor Akira Igata:How should governments approach AI’s impact on labor markets and public services?

Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro:AI is fundamentally reshaping sources of economic growth.

As digitalization drives productivity, the traditional advantage of low-cost labor is diminishing. This underscores the importance of reskilling and upskilling workers to meet changing labor market demands.

The impact on employment is mixed:

• AI can create new opportunities in high-skill sectors and enhance productivity

• But it may also widen inequality if gains are concentrated among certain groups

In contrast, the outlook for public service delivery is more positive.

AI can:

• Improve forecasting and decision-making

• Enhance resource allocation

• Increase transparency and accountability

• Enable more personalized and cost-effective services

Government adoption of AI will be critical to ensuring that productivity gains translate into broad-based social benefits.

Strengthening APO–ADBI Collaboration under GAIA

Professor Akira Igata:Under the GAIA framework, where do you see the strongest potential for collaboration between ADBI and APO?

Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro:While Asia is often seen as a hub of innovation, progress remains concentrated in a limited number of economies. The digital divide across the region is significant.

Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive understanding of AI’s long-term development implications, as well as stronger regional and global cooperation.

Institutions like ADBI and APO have a shared responsibility to support this transformation.

There is strong potential for collaboration in:

• Joint research on AI and development

• Policy dialogue platforms

• Regional capacity-building initiatives

In particular, improving governance frameworks for capital flows, supply chains, and technology transfer will be essential. These efforts can help ensure that countries at different stages of development can adapt, innovate, and achieve sustainable growth.

Conclusion

The conversation with Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro underscores a critical message:

Artificial intelligence is not only a technological shift—it is a development challenge.

Through platforms like GAIA, APO and its partners aim to ensure that AI is harnessed in a way that is inclusive, responsible, and aligned with long-term development goals across Asia and the Pacific.

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