This report explores the implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on the future of the job market in Viet Nam. It assesses how jobs, tasks, and skills are being transformed in logistics and agro-processing. These two industries are important to Viet Nam's national employment, economic growth, and international competitiveness and are also highly relevant for 4IR technologies. The report is part of the series of reports from an Asian Development Bank (ADB) study that assesses how jobs, tasks, and skills are being transformed in industries with high relevance to 4IR technologies in
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This report explores the implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on the future of the job market in Viet Nam. It assesses how jobs, tasks, and skills are being transformed in logistics and agro-processing. These two industries are important to Viet Nam's national employment, economic growth, and international competitiveness and are also highly relevant for 4IR technologies. The report is part of the series of reports from an Asian Development Bank (ADB) study that assesses how jobs, tasks, and skills are being transformed in industries with high relevance to 4IR technologies in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. The series provides recommendations to strengthen policies, skills, and training as well as new approaches, strategies, and actions to enhance the readiness of each country's workforce for 4IR. The study was undertaken and completed prior to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has caused unprecedented disruptions to labor markets and to the activities of the workforce across the world.
The study finds that 4IR will have a transformational effect on jobs and skills in both industries, with great potential for jobs and productivity that can be reaped through adequate investments in skills and training. Key findings from the study include: (1) 4IR will bring both job displacement and job gains; (2) jobs will shift from routine, physical tasks to higher order tasks with 4IR; (3) skills shortages and inadequate skill levels in both industries need to be addressed; (4) training institutions in Viet Nam need to prepare for the challenges of 4IR; (5) courses and training delivery have begun to change but further transformation is needed; and (6) Viet Nam's 4IR policies and strategies are in the right direction and need active implementation.
To address current gaps in policy actions and enhance the effectiveness of implementation mechanisms, seven recommendations have been identified for Viet Nam to strengthen its preparedness toward 4IR. A multi-stakeholder approach to the actions in each of these recommendations will be critical to their effectiveness. For each, a potential lead from either the government or private sector has been identified, alongside a list of stakeholders suggested to be engaged when developing and implementing the recommended actions. These recommended actions include: (1) develop 4IR transformation roadmaps for key sectors; (2) develop a series of industry-led [technical and vocational education and training] TVET programs targeting skills for 4IR; (3) upgrade training delivery through 4IR technology in classrooms and training facilities; (4) develop flexible and modular skill certification programs; (5) build programs to raise awareness of reskilling benefits, critical skills, and training opportunities; (6) implement an incentive scheme for firms to train employees for 4IR; and (7) formulate new approaches and measures to strengthen inclusion and social protection in the context of 4IR. While these recommendations apply to both the logistics and agro-processing industries, the report outlines priorities unique to each industry that should be considered when implementing the respective actions.
Edited excerpts from publication.
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