Call for
FutureWORKS Asia Cycle 2
About Organisation
LIRNEasia is a pro-poor, pro-market think tank based in Asia, committed to catalyzing policy change through evidence-based research in digital technology and its intersection with economic and social development. The organization advocates for inclusive economic development across the Asia Pacific, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. LIRNEasia recognizes the transformative potential of digital technology but also highlights that regulatory barriers often restrict access and innovation, particularly among marginalized populations.
The organization works to dismantle such constraints by conducting and promoting research that leads to actionable policy solutions. LIRNEasia’s mission is to improve lives using knowledge, information, and technology, with a focus on enhancing the capabilities of disadvantaged communities. As the Asia Hub for the FutureWORKS initiative, LIRNEasia is building a multidisciplinary research network that aims to address the policy challenges presented by digital transformation, demographic shifts, climate change, and the evolving global economic order. Through strategic research grants, network collaboration, and policy engagement, LIRNEasia fosters innovation in work-related policy and practice. Every project it supports must directly benefit the poor and contribute to equitable and sustainable development in the region.
About the Grant
LIRNEasia, in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), invites proposals for gender-responsive, policy-relevant applied research under the FutureWORKS Asia initiative. This grant aims to generate actionable insights into policies and practices that have either succeeded or failed in addressing the challenges of the future of work in low- and lower-middle-income Asian countries.
The second call for proposals emphasizes identifying effective solutions over merely diagnosing problems. Research should explore the impacts of digitization, demographic shifts, and climate change on labor ecosystems. Proposals are encouraged to analyze successful or failed policy implementations, assess their scalability, conduct impact assessments, and explore under-researched areas of work transitions—especially where gender, equity, and inclusion are central.
The grant supports studies such as case comparisons, trend explorations, and replication of global best practices within Asian contexts. It prioritizes research with high policy impact potential, especially where practical insights and engagement strategies are clearly defined. Projects should demonstrate the ability to influence decision-makers and address the multi-dimensional challenges of workforce transitions in an inclusive, just, and evidence-based manner.
This initiative aims to create a robust, regionally connected research network working collectively toward sustainable and inclusive labor futures.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, think tanks, civil society groups, non-profit organizations, and associations based in eligible low- and lower-middle-income countries in Asia (excluding India and Myanmar). These organizations must demonstrate a strong track record of public-interest research and a commitment to translating research into policy impact.
Applicants must show experience in at least two relevant areas, such as labor force skills, digital transformation, gender-responsive policies, just transition, or innovation systems. Strong proposals will clearly outline both prior experience and mechanisms for ensuring that research findings contribute to practical, policy-relevant outcomes. Projects must prioritize gender, equity, and inclusion and engage with at least two of the three “mega changes”: digital transformation, demographic shifts, and climate change.
Ineligible applicants include individuals, government agencies (except public research or education institutions), UN agencies, and private companies offering worker-targeted products or services (like job portals). While partnerships are allowed, no funds may be disbursed to ineligible partners such as individual public sector employees, government agencies, or UN entities.
The organization submitting the proposal must be capable of publicly disseminating its research per IDRC’s open-access policy and must propose projects aligned with the FutureWORKS Asia goals of sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready work ecosystems.
How to Apply?
Interested organizations must prepare a proposal aligned with the FutureWORKS Asia call, demonstrating a clear policy focus, gender responsiveness, and actionable research outcomes. All proposals must be submitted by 6:00 PM IST on July 9, 2025. Submissions should outline project objectives, methodologies, expected outcomes, and policy engagement strategies. Only organizations meeting the eligibility criteria will be considered for funding.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit your complete proposal is 6:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on July 9, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered for evaluation.
Last Date to Apply
All applications must be submitted no later than July 9, 2025, by 6:00 PM IST. Ensure all proposal materials and documentation are complete and submitted before the deadline.
Grant Amount
The funding amount per project will be determined based on the scope, scale, and impact of the proposed research. Grants are intended to support policy-relevant, gender-responsive, solution-oriented research in Asia.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
