The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental change in the way we live, work and relate to one another. It is a new chapter in human development, enabled by extraordinary technology advances commensurate with those of the first, second and third industrial revolutions. These advances are merging the physical, digital and biological worlds in ways that create both huge promise and potential peril. The speed, breadth and depth of this revolution is forcing us to rethink how countries develop, how organisations create value and even what it means to be human. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is about more than just technology-driven change; it is an opportunity to help everyone, including leaders, policy-makers and people from all income groups and nations, to harness converging technologies in order to create an inclusive, human-centred future. The real opportunity is to look beyond technology, and find ways to give the greatest number of people the ability to positively impact their families, organisations and communities.
Infrastructure
Why the world needs a fresh take on smart and sustainable infrastructure
To build more sustainable infrastructure, industry must embrace digitalization, establish new working practices and increase public sector collaboration.
Biotechnology
How can technological advancements in synthetic biology benefit everyone? An expert explains
An ideal bioeconomy policy agenda needs to be established so that everyone can benefit from the latest advancements made in synthetic biology, expert says.
Artificial Intelligence
6 positive AI visions for the future of work
We asked experts to discuss the challenges of artificial intelligence developments in the workplace, their economic impacts and share their positive AI visions for the future.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Improving access to finance for businesses in MENA region
Public-private collaboration is needed to form a regulatory framework that enables businesses in MENA to access finance and grow a resilient economy.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Can China and Europe find common ground on AI ethics?
The cultural differences between China and Europe present a unique set of challenges when it comes to aligning AI ethics. Is a global framework possible?
Internet of Things
Better business: How to harness value from IoT technologies
From fitness trackers to much wider scale uses like the monitoring of natural disasters, the IoT is now integrated into our society.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
How to stop supply chain issues disrupting the economic recovery
The global trading system needs an overhaul. Greater agility and resilience is required to tackle challenges like the climate crisis.
Artificial Intelligence
Meet the robots with their very own social skills
MIT researchers are training the next generation of social robots. A new framework allows robots to understand what might help or hinder another robot.
Air Pollution
Climate change: How can we make greener steel and concrete?
It’s time to stop the growth of greenhouse gas emissions by decoupling industrial development from climate-polluting energy use, with governments tracking them.
Cybercrime
Here's why closing the cybersecurity skills gap is critical to digitalization
Malicious actors are increasingly targeting the weakest link in tech systems: human beings. Businesses need to upskill their staff and raise awareness.
SDG 07: Affordable and Clean Energy
These are the winners of the New Champions Awards 2021
Winners of the New Champions Awards for 2021 are out. The World Economic Forum’s New Champions companies explore business models, technologies and strategies needed during the Fourth Indu...
Future of Mobility
Which trends are driving the autonomous vehicles industry?
We outline the latest trends to consider when developing mobility policies for the autonomous vehicles industry as it works towards post-pandemic recovery.