Dhanya M. B’s research focuses on labour economics, employment policy, the informal economy, gig and platform work, future of work, AI and labour markets, migration, social protection, gender and labour, entrepreneurship, and labour market transformations in developing economies.

Ongoing Research Studies

• Shaping the Future of Labour in BRICS: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies (BRICS Network, 2026)
• Automation & Future of Work: Emerging Jobs and Skills in a Changing World (2025–26)
• Designing Social Security Schemes for Unorganised, Gig and Platform Workers (ESIC-funded, 2026)

Completed Research Studies

• Navigating the Gig Economy: An Intersectional Investigation into the Experiences and Challenges of Women in the Indian Gig Economy (V V Giri National Labour Institute)
• Platform Employment: Role in the Labour Market and Problems of Platform Workers’ Labour Regulation’(Duration- 9 months BRICS Network of Labour Research Institute Research)
• Gig and Platform Workers: Vision 2047 (Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India)
• India-Germany Labour Nexus: Exploring Market Dynamics in Europe (Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Germany)
• E-formalization Practices in India, BRICS Network of Labour Research Institute Research 2021)
• Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and Informal Economy in India: Trends, initiatives and Challenges. (Ministry of Labour and Employment, GoI)
• Promoting Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship: A Study with Special focus on ‘Startups’ (VV Giri National Labour Institute).
• Quality Employment Generation in Micro and Small enterprises (MSEs) in India: strategies and way forward, (VV Giri National Labour Institute).
• Engendering Gender Statistics: An Analysis of Gender Differentiated Statistics in India (V V Giri National Labour Institute)