TA-9754 REG: Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation: Knowledge Sharing and Services in Transport and Transport Facilitation (Phase 2) - Artificial Intelligence in the Transport Sector in Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Countries (E-048335-002)

Objective and Purpose of the Assignment The flagship publication, jointly produced by CAREC Institute (CI) and ADB, aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the role of AI in enhancing transport in the CAREC region. It seeks to examine the current state of AI adoption across CAREC countries, including the status of digital infrastructure, data ecosystems, and institutional readiness, and to assess how these factors influence the application of AI in transport. The study will review the current state of AI adoption and transport digitalization across CAREC countries, including digital infrastructure, data ecosystems, institutional capacities, regulatory frameworks, and broader enabling conditions. It will also analyze global and regional experiences in applying AI across transport subsectors and evaluate their relevance and applicability to the CAREC context. Particular attention will be given to identifying high-impact and practical AI applications that can address priority transport challenges, enhance regional connectivity and corridor performance, improve operational efficiency and safety, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and support more sustainable and inclusive transport systems. The study will also assess key risks and barriers to AI adoption, including data access and quality limitations, institutional and skills gaps, regulatory constraints, cybersecurity concerns, and cross-border interoperability challenges. Recognizing the rapid pace of technological change, the study will adopt a forward-looking perspective by examining emerging AI technologies and their potential implications for the transport sector over the next decade. Based on this analysis, the study will provide strategic recommendations and implementation pathways tailored to different levels of country readiness and institutional capacity. The study will generate actionable insights to support CAREC governments, regional institutions, and development partners in making informed decisions on AI-related investments, policies, capacitybuilding initiatives, and pilot interventions. Recommendations will be aligned with the CAREC Transport Strategy 2030, the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda, and the CAREC Digital Strategy. The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a desktop assessment of beneficial uses of artificial intelligence in the transport sector relevant to the CAREC region and identify pathways for their adoption based on individual country readiness. The assessment will identify promising AI applications, evaluate their applicability to regional contexts, and develop practical recommendations for adoption. The consultancy aims to produce actionable insights that member countries can use to make informed decisions about AI technology or foundation capability investments and their implementation. Through systematic analysis of leading global practices, regional context, and country-specific circumstances, the review will establish a clear understanding of opportunities, prerequisites, and implementation pathways for beneficial AI uses in transport. Expected outcomes include an inventory of relevant AI applications in transport, assessment of their applicability and readiness requirements for CAREC countries, identification of priority use cases offering the greatest benefit-to-feasibility ratio, and development of a strategic roadmap for progressive AI adoption. Institutional capacities and regulatory enablers are to be included. The assessment will particularly emphasize applications addressing road safety, asset management, sustainable mobility, and improved service delivery to underserved populations. Building on this analysis, the study will develop policy recommendations and actionable pathways for CAREC countries and development partners. These recommendations will be aligned with the CAREC Transport Strategy 2030, the CAREC Integrated Trade Agenda, and the CAREC Digital Strategy, ensuring coherence with existing regional priorities. The consulting team will undertake a comprehensive assessment encompassing leading global practices in AI for transport and their potential application among CAREC countries. The scope includes systematic review of AI technologies, analysis of country readiness factors, and development of strategic recommendations tailored to varying country circumstances and institutional capacities. Expertise or Positions Needed International Team Leadership from International Experts Expertise or Position Minimum inputs in PM Primary Place of Assignment 1 Team Leader: AI/ITS Specialist (International) 4 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment 2 Regional Transport Expert (International or National) 3 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment 3 Digital Infrastructure and Data Specialist (International) 2 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment 4 AI Policy and Governance Expert (International or National) 1.5 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment 5 AI Applications Analyst (International or National) 2 Home Office, Other Search and Select: Place of Assignment National Team Leadership from National Experts Expertise or Position Minimum inputs in PM Primary Place of Assignment No results found. TOR Attachments Title Type Description Category Last Updated By Last Updated Update Delete