Request for Proposal (RFP) AI Applied Successful Use-Cases in APECs Traditional Industries

Introduction

APF Canada invites proposals from qualified consultants or contractors to assess AI adoption in traditional sectors across the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region and translate commercial use cases into actionable recommendations for policymakers and business leaders

About APF Canada and ABAC

APF Canada is an independent not-for-profit organization focused on strengthening ties between Canada and Asia through research education and convening activities. The Foundation produces a range of research outputs including reports policy briefs case studies surveys and digital media and provides Asia Competency training for Canadian organizations and students. APF Canada serves as the Secretariat for Canadas APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) members.

This project is being conducted on behalf of ABACand the Digital and Innovation Working Group. The intended audience is senior business leaders from ABAC and APEC policymakers.

Project Description and Objectives

With more than four years of experience with AI technology adoption between industries remains uneven. Traditional sectors including agriculture manufacturing mining and healthcare vary widely in both their use of AI and realized gains. Yet firms largely lack a roadmap for effective adoption and an adequately skilled workforce to use advanced AI tools. Promoting effective adoption therefore requires an understanding of where AI can make the greatest impact and what is needed to facilitate a full transformation.

The project aims to identify best practices for the successful adoption of AI in traditional sectors through the analysis of case studies from a variety of sectors and economies. It will examine how AI was used to address a sector-specific need what lessons may be gleaned from the experience and how the necessary upskilling was achieved to support workforce development.

The research project will pursue the following objectives:

• Identify and document case studies of AI adoption in traditional sectors from nine APEC economies.
• Assess key enablers and barriers to AI adoption in the private sector.
• Examine commercial and workforce impacts including training and upskilling requirements.
• Identify the most promising examples from across industries providing practical insights that can be replicated by businesses including MSMEs.
• Deliver a set of 5-10 best practices and five policy recommendations to support responsible scalable AI adoption across APEC economies.

Project Scope

Sectoral Focus

The project will examine AI adoption use-cases in selected traditional sectors of high relevance across APEC economies including but not limited to:

1. Manufacturing and industrial production;
2. Agriculture and agri-food;
3. Logistics and supply chai;ns
4. Energy and natural resources;
   • Mining
   • Oil and gas
5. Infrastructure;
6. Oceans and fisheries;
7. Healthcare;
8. E-government;
9. Forestry.

Use-Case Profiles

Primary focus on the private sector including both large enterprises and MSMEs.

The consultant/contractor will collect and analyze case studies of successful AI adoption in traditional sectors. The cases will come from nine economies (one use-case per economy) to highlight APECs geographic and economic diversity. APF Canada will assist in securing any necessary interviews through the ABAC network and will offer project coordination and outreach support.

The research will aim to answer the following questions:

• What was the challenge that AI was used to solve in the case
• How was AI used as a solution to that challenge
• What were the benefits to the business/industry as a result of the adoption of the AI solution
• How could the implementation of the AI solution have been improved
• What would be necessary to scale up the solution to a sector/economy level
• What upskilling was required to implement the solution and how was that upskilling achieved
• What best practices does the experience provide.

Deliverables & Milestones

The consultant will be responsible for delivering:

1. Use-cases analysis: Sectors and economies for case studies will be pre-defined through ABAC.
2. Succinct Research Report (20 pages maximum) including:
   1. A summary of case study findings
   2. Best practices and policy recommendations for APEC policymakers and the private sector.
3. Preparation of project presentation materials for C-suite executive (deck and speaker notes). One mid-April and one late-June.

Project Timeline & Milestone

Milestone / Submission Date

1. Project Kick-off - As soon as possible
2. Case studies collected - April 10 2026
3. Draft Report Completed - June 15 2026
4. Final Report Submitted to APFC (Provided in a text-based format. No graphic design required) - August 15 2026
5. Final report submitted to ABAC - October 31 2026

These deadlines are non-negotiable due to ABACs approval processes and scheduled events. There is no travel required.

Qualifications & Requirements

Interested consultants should demonstrate:

• Proven expertise in digital economy research and case study analysis;
• Experience engaging with private sector stakeholders an asset;
• Experience delivering projects on behalf of private sector stakeholders using the appropriate tone and language;
• Experience in conducting sectoral analysis and working with APEC economies/nomenclature;

• Strong analytical and written skills with the ability to synthesize complex topics into clear actionable recommendations.

Budget

The total budget for this research will be in the range of $15000$20000 CAD inclusive of all fees and expenses. Proponents are encouraged to propose the most cost-effective approach within this range and to clearly articulate any scope trade-offs.

Proposal Submission

Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted in ONE MERGED FILE no later than Friday February 20 2026.

Please click here to submit your proposal

Qualified consultants should submit a proposal iincluding:

1. Technical Proposal

• Approach and methodology
• Work plan and timeline
• Key personnel and qualifications

2. Financial Proposal

• Budget including professional fees and any additional costs
  

3. Relevant Experience

• Examples of similar projects completed
• Writing sample

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance and quality of the proposed methodology (10%);
• Qualifications and experience of the consultant (30%);
• Feasibility of the work plan and timeline (30%);
• Cost-effectiveness and value for money (30%).

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding this RFP please contact:

Amanda Doyle Senior Program Manager APEC Networks
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Email:

APF Canada and ABAC Canada look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to advance sustainable AI adoption in APECs digital economy.