India Launches AI Policy Lab to Protect Worker Livelihoods
UN-backed initiative aims to ensure AI creates economic opportunities for informal workers
1New AI research initiative
The Institute for Human Flourishing (IHF) launched during UNGA week as an India-headquartered policy lab focused on AI's impact on workers. Backed by Rockefeller Foundation and Schmidt Philanthropies, it received official endorsement from India's Expert Group on Human Flourishing. The lab will specifically examine how AI affects informal economy workers, a key demographic in developing nations.
2Key institutional support
India's Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) Secretary S Krishnan publicly endorsed the initiative, aligning it with IndiaAI Mission's inclusion goals. The government sees this as complementary to its existing efforts to position technology as a public good. This high-level endorsement signals potential policy influence for IHF's research findings on national AI strategy.
3Livelihood Lab approach
IHF will establish a Livelihoods Lab conducting real-world demonstrations of human-AI collaboration models. These will be co-designed with stakeholders to ensure practical relevance. The lab aims to move beyond theoretical discussions by testing how AI tools can actually enhance rather than displace informal sector jobs in fields like agriculture and small trade.
4Monitoring worker experiences
Alongside demonstrations, IHF will operate an AI and Jobs Observatory to systematically track how workers interact with AI systems. This longitudinal study will document changes in job quality, skill requirements, and income stability across different sectors. The observatory fills a critical gap in understanding AI's real-world labor market impacts.
5Human Flourishing Index
A core deliverable will be developing an Index of Human Flourishing measuring four dimensions: economic security, dignity, capability, and agency. This metric aims to quantify AI's societal impact beyond traditional productivity measures. The index could become a benchmark for evaluating whether tech implementations truly benefit workers.
6Focus on informal economy
IHF specifically targets the informal sector comprising 80% of India's workforce. Traditional AI ethics discussions often overlook these workers who lack formal protections. The lab will examine how street vendors, domestic workers, and small farmers can harness AI tools without facing displacement or exploitation.
7Implementation partners
Entrepreneur Ravi Venkatesan founded IHF, with Urvashi Aneja as CEO bringing policy expertise. The Rockefeller Foundation and Schmidt Philanthropies' involvement provides both funding and global networks. This combination of entrepreneurial, academic, and philanthropic backing suggests strong execution capacity.
8Global relevance
While India-based, IHF's findings could inform AI policy in other developing economies facing similar labor market challenges. The focus on human-centered metrics contrasts with dominant productivity-focused AI narratives. If successful, this model may shift how governments evaluate AI's socioeconomic impacts globally.
Original article: Technology News — India Launches AI Policy Lab to Protect Worker Livelihoods