"According to the “APO Productivity Databook”, the service sector accounts for a substantial portion of GDP in many APO members. In 2021, services constituted over 60% of GDP in economies like Japan and Singapore, and similar trends were observed in other members. This highlights the sector’s key role in driving economic growth through innovation and […]

In 2023, the APO launched a training course to develop SM specialists to support SMEs in digital transformation in response to the growing demand for professionals with both productivity and digitalization expertise. In 2024, in response to feedback from the inaugural course, it included more hands-on IoT exercises to enhance practical understanding. Participants have since […]

Integrating AI into productivity strategies addresses inefficiencies, manages risks primarily in compliance and security, and streamlines adoption by optimizing resources and standardizing workflows. This boosts innovation, operational efficiency, and alignment with goals, driving sustainable growth. In developing countries, AI bridges infrastructure, education, and healthcare gaps, enhancing productivity and economic growth. The AI Management System (AIMS) […]

According to the UN FAO, in 2023, 2.33 billion people, an estimated 28.9% of the global population, were moderately or severely food insecure. Innovative technologies can increase production and distribution. Precision agriculture includes using GPS, IoT sensors, drones, and AI to monitor crop health, soil quality, and resource usage, while reducing waste, improving yields, and […]

The World Energy Outlook (WEO) 2024 by the IEA highlights the benefits of adopting energy conservation and management practices in thermal and electrical utilities, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, and reduced environmental impact. This aligns with the APO’s Green Productivity concept to strengthen the triple bottom lines of productivity, quality, and profitability with the […]

xEVs are growing in popularity around the world, but they require big investments in new infrastructure and facilities such as charging stations and motor and battery factories. For policymakers and industry leaders, it is important to choose the right strategy that fits their national situation while still helping to meet climate goals. This is where […]

The latest technology has contributed to modernizing food and beverage business models and creating new opportunities and challenges. ICT-based agricultural production, processing, manufacturing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and customer data are analyzed to identify preferences, reduce operating costs, and maximize profits. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are used for taking orders, resolving issues, or making recommendations, […]

Modernized regulations are essential to balance interests, achieve societal goals, and drive economic growth. Rapid technological change is outpacing regulatory systems, creating challenges for governance, the workforce, and society. Traditionally manual and resource-heavy, regulatory compliance is becoming more complex due to rising data demands, real-time monitoring needs, and evolving rules. RegTech, leveraging AI, big data, […]