Keynote: The Future of Work – Global Governance for the Age of Intelligence

At the OECD Forum 2024 in Paris, Dr Kate Barker delivered a keynote address connecting technology foresight, labour policy, and education reform under the theme The Future of Work – Global Governance for the Age of Intelligence.

She unveiled a global workforce-governance model linking predictive data analytics, national skills taxonomies, and intergovernmental cooperation to prepare economies for AI-driven disruption. Dr Barker argued that traditional education and labour systems—built for industrial predictability—must evolve into adaptive, foresight-based ecosystems that anticipate skill needs years ahead of market demand.

Her presentation was met with strong engagement from policymakers and OECD economists, sparking a cross-country dialogue on aligning AI regulation, talent mobility, and social equity. The model was later referenced in OECD Working Papers on Digital Growth 2025, cited as a benchmark for evidence-based workforce planning.

Her address positioned her as a pivotal voice at the intersection of public policy, human-capital strategy, and ethical innovation, reinforcing her influence in European and global policy networks.