CIIP contributes to UNIDO’s Industrial Development Report 2026

A policy brief led by Cambridge Industrial Innovation Policy’s Mateus Labrunie, David Leal-Ayala, and Zongshuai Fan on AI and industrial digitalisation has been cited in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s (UNIDO) Industrial Development Report (IDR) 2026.

This recognition underscores the growing global relevance of how artificial intelligence is reshaping manufacturing systems and industrial policymaking, particularly for developing and emerging economies.

“It is encouraging to see these insights supporting UNIDO’s strategic analysis as they outline future pathways for inclusive and sustainable industrial development,” says Mateus Labrunie.

Opportunities and risks for developing countries

Our cited policy brief, AI and the future of manufacturing and industrial policy: challenges and opportunities for developing countries, analyses the profound technological shifts underway in industrial production. While digitalisation has long been transforming how goods are designed, manufactured, and delivered, rapid progress in AI is accelerating this transition and redefining global manufacturing competitiveness.

However, the benefits of AI remain unevenly distributed. Many developing countries face barriers including limited digital infrastructure, skills gaps, data constraints, and institutional and financial challenges. Without deliberate action, AI could reinforce existing inequalities rather than level the playing field.

Industrial policy therefore plays a pivotal role. The research emphasises the need to support AI adoption, through capability-building, targeted funding, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. It also highlights the emerging potential for AI to strengthen the policymaking process itself. AI-enabled tools can help governments analyse data, design interventions, monitor implementation, and evaluate impacts more effectively, especially in resource-constrained environments.

Looking ahead

We are proud to contribute evidence, frameworks, and practical policy perspectives to UNIDO’s flagship global assessment. Our team remains committed to supporting inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven pathways for industrial development worldwide, and we look forward to continued collaboration with partners across the global industrial policy community.

Read the report: UNIDO Industrial Development Report 2026