Call for Proposals: Empowering Data-Driven Development – AI Labor and Data Enrichment in the Global South, in Partnership with USAID
We are seeking innovative research proposals to explore the often invisible and undervalued workforce supporting artificial intelligence (AI) in the Global South. This initiative builds upon the Global AI Research Agenda and aims to shape USAID’s future programming and advocacy efforts to foster equitable and dignified working conditions for these workers.
Background
The rapid growth of AI, particularly generative AI, relies heavily on millions of workers performing data enrichment tasks such as curating, labeling, and annotating data. These workers also include content moderators who shape the boundaries of online content. Despite their critical role, they often face precarious, pay-per-task employment and remain largely unseen in the global economy.
The impact of this emerging AI labor market is profound, especially in developing regions, yet remains poorly understood. Key questions include:
- Who are these workers, and what are their conditions?
- How do they contribute to the global AI value chain?
- What can be done to ensure their fair treatment?
Research Goals
We invite proposals to examine the data enrichment labor market in the Global South, with a focus on its role in global AI value chains. Suggested areas of study include:
- Workforce demographics, geography, and their place in the AI value chain.
- Socio-economic and workplace conditions in specific regions of the Global South.
- Economic and contractual dynamics shaping worker conditions.
- The effects of AI-driven changes in employment structures, such as pay-per-task platforms.
- Practices promoting equitable AI labor, involving collaboration across governments, donors, civil society, and private sectors.
Multidisciplinary approaches that blend sociotechnical, ethnographic, and economic analyses are encouraged.
Who Should Apply
Researchers and practitioners from social sciences, computer science, economics, and related fields are welcome. Collaborative proposals prioritizing local partnerships are strongly encouraged. Applicants must be affiliated with an institution eligible to receive U.S. federal funds and registered on SAM.gov.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals must include:
- Title
- Research Narrative (max. 3 pages): Outline research questions, focus areas, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
- Budget Outline: Total not exceeding $280,000.
- Organization Profile (max. 2 pages per organization).
- Work Plan & Timeline: A project duration of 6-24 months is recommended.
- Team Background & Expertise: Include qualifications, publications, and relevant experience.
Application Process
Submit your proposal via Qualtrics by January 31, 2025, 5:00 PM EST. For questions, email Ross Meyers at [email protected] with the subject line: Questions for LASER PULSE, Data Enrichment Work and AI Labor. Questions must be submitted by December 13, 2024. Replies will be available on the LASER Pulse website by December 20, 2024.
Key Dates
- Selection Announcement: February 28, 2025
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be assessed on:
- Relevance to the research goals.
- Innovation and novel approaches.
- Team expertise and capability.
- Feasibility of the timeline and budget.
- Potential impact on policy and practice.
- Methodological rigor, particularly participatory and ethnographic methods.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
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