Last week, Singapore-headquartered ride-hailing and food-delivery app Grab approached media outlets with an unusual pitch. It wasn’t about a new feature or partnership this time. Instead, Grab unveiled its very own think tank: the Tech for Good Institute (TFGI). A “non-profit think-tank established to advance research and dialogue on Southeast Asia’s fast-growing digital economy,” it said in the press release press release Grab Grab Establishes the Tech for Good Institute; Releases New Platform Economy Research Report with Bain & Company Read more .
Think tank on-demand
The thinking behind Grab’s new think tank
Super app Grab made a classic corporate move by launching a think tank that’s designed to influence policy. Weeks before it becomes a public company, Grab is moving to own the narrative as gig economy companies come under fire worldwide
Grab launched a think tank called Tech for Good Institute (TFGI), backed by names like World Economic Forum economist Klaus Schwab
Its inaugural 140-page report puts the focus on Southeast Asia, spelling out the unique benefits of the platform economy in the emerging region
Digital platforms have boosted the region, particularly in the pandemic, but long-term concerns include limited career prospects for gig workers
The timing of the think tank launch is notable—just weeks before Grab is expected to become a public company via a SPAC deal
