Bridging the Innovation Gap: Where AI Breakthroughs Meet Everyday Work
In a world of rapid AI innovation, the reality is stark: many workers still rely on tools that are 10–20 years old. After connecting with investors, founders, and professionals across the US, we've uncovered a critical disconnect between breakthrough tech and the everyday technologies that power our work.
To address this, we're launching the #RealWorkTech campaign—a nationwide effort to build the first public inventory of work technology. From ultrasound technicians like Allison to small business owners like Pablo and researchers like Al, real stories are revealing how legacy systems are hindering productivity and what can be done to bridge this innovation gap.
What tech powers your work day?
Share your story at Iam@thefutureofworkers.org and explore our public inventory to join the movement toward a more connected, efficient future.
Join the conversation with #RealWorkTech and #BridgingTheInnovationGap.
Every Voice Drives Innovation—Join the Partnership
Committed to unlocking opportunities and navigating risks in tech innovation—alongside workers, families, communities, and industry.
01
Venture Capital & Limited Partners
Venture capital faces pressure to conduct greater due diligence on early-stage companies, using frameworks like ESG, human rights, and responsible innovation/AI. Limited partners are also critical in ensuring worker-centered, responsible tech innovation ecosystem.
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02
Founders
Founders lead in tech innovation but juggle fundraising, hiring, and product development. Adopting responsible, workforce-focused innovation practices helps not only retain talent and but avoid avoid social risks.
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03
CEOs
CEOs are under more pressure to make sure their technologies are sustainable and protect workers' long-term economic health, due to fast-changing regulations and tech business risks.
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04
Boards
Corporate boards, traditionally overseeing company performance, are now urged to guide on issues like climate change, AI, human capital, and culture
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Project Phases
(1) Develop a national network of workers across industries.
(2) Support infrastructure to engage workers in an iterative process to develop technology standards.
(2) Pilot new models for dialogue, bargaining, and deliberation between workers and companies or industry.
(3) Develop industry guidances for stakeholders (e.g. investors, boards, and company-builders).
(3) Support emerging "future of work" cross-sectoral bridging leaders.
22/08/2022
Phase 1
National Survey: to identify themes to be covered in the standards.
Phase 2
Engagement Infrastructure: Develop networks of workers across industries
23/08/2022
Phase 3
Consultation and Dialogue with Workers: to review standards and identify industry-specific worker concerns.
24/08/2022
Phase 4
Identify Business Risks: through research on industry and technology trends.
25/08/2022
Phase 5
Launch Standards: with guidances for stakeholders.
Phase 6
Worker-Industry Experimentation: pilot new ways for deliberation, bargaining, and dialogue between workers and industry.