Output
1) 1-Day In-Person Workshop
A one-day workshop held in China in 2026 (SOM3 2026).
We will invite experts to speak about the perceptions of AI in various economies, commonalities and differences of economic opportunities that can be facilitated by AI, and policy discussion on how these economic opportunities can be systematically enhanced. The findings of the international survey on AI perceptions (self-funded) will be presented in the workshop.
Draft Agenda:
9:30-9:45 Opening Remarks
9:45-10:00 Keynote Speech
10:00-12:00 Session 1: AI and regional differences 12:00-13:30 Lunch Break
13:30-15:00 Session 2: AI and economic opportunities
15:00-16:30 Session 3: Policy driven discussion on harnessing AI for economic prosperity
16:30-17:30 Wrap-up Discussion and closing remarks Desseminating the Post-event survey form
2) Project Report (APEC Publication)
- Purpose: The first purpose is to obtain a higher resolution understanding on the appetite, acceptability, adaptability and agility for AI adoption in different APEC economies. Based on those findings, the second purpose is to devise strategic options for harnessing economic participation (particularly with small business enterprises in mind) including possible AI adoption provisions in trade agreement.
- Content: A large scale international survey on the public perception of AI across various economies. Participant responses will be segmented and analyzed for age, gender, employment, et cetera. The analysis of this data will highlight characteristics of AI perception and adoptive behavior across varying APEC economies.
- page length: minimum 20 pages, excluding annexes
- Rough structure:
1 Introduction
- APEC context on economic participation and AI landscape
- Project objectives
2 Setting/methodology
- overview of research design
- intent of survey design
- economy selection and research methods 3 Analysis
- Key findings from the international survey
- Analysis of segmented populations 4 Policy options
- Synthesis of findings
- Strategic options for structural harnessing
- Ideas for AI adoption provisions in future FTAs/RTAs 5 Conclusions
- Summary of findings and relevance to APEC policy priorities
- Suggestions for follow up research
Outcome
1) The project will promote a deeper understanding of various factors influencing AI adoptions across various demographic groups (such as women, age groups, and business sizes) in APEC economies through the international survey on AI perceptions. This will help clarify the barriers and challenges each economic actor faces regarding AI and adoption.
2) The project will provide a platform for sharing survey findings and discussing policy implications through a one- day workshop held at SOM 3 in 2026. This workshop will offer participants a valuable opportunity to discuss policy options with various stakeholders including government officials, academia, and private sectors from various APEC economies.
3) The project report will provide policymakers with insights and evidence based on developing policy options and possible AI provisions in trade agreements to effectively address associated risks and disparities in AI adoption.
Beneficiaries
Primary beneficiaries of the project will include APEC economy officials, especially focusing on those who are engaged in trade negotiations for FTAs/RTAs in the area of AI, and other relevant policy makers. Findings and recommendations of this project will provide solid evidence in making trade negotiation strategies that benefits various demographic groups including women and MSMEs as secondary beneficiaries.
