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.
The future of the built environment in a revolutionary age
As a result of greater technological advances, we are about to see the physical world become ever more connected to the digital one.
Your smartphone, your therapist?
A new mental health app lets users watch puppy videos, listen to soothing sounds - or call a professional nurse.
How long until we're driving electric cars?
The car industry is at the start of a revolution that is being driven by three factors.
3 reasons brain science is terrific and terrifying
We enhance our brains every day – from the coffee we drink first thing in the morning, the extra tuition we take to get into college, the music classes we enroll in, the basic diet and ex...
How will trade policy play out in cyberspace?
Cross-border commerce and communications are changing fast. Opportunities for trade with opposite hemispheres are no longer limited to large manufacturers. And worldwide employees of the ...
What membership means for the hotel industry
Like many service-led sectors, the hotel industry has evolved in recent years from a transactional business to one built firmly upon guest relationships. More than ever, the consumer is m...
Can this revolution save our warming planet?
2015 was the hottest year on record beating the previous record holder – 2014. Already, meteorologists predict 2016 may beat 2015.
Humanitarian relief must change. Here's how
Elhadj As Sy, head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, on the future of aid amid an unprecedented crisis.
How can society better cope with crises?
Davos 2016: We will only be able to maximize the technology if we prepare as a society. This needs to start with an overhaul of the way we govern, empower people and use the technology we...
Davos forum kicks off, a warning from Stephen Hawking and the automation paradox
The global elite are today convening in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual conference of the World Economic Forum. Discussions look set to be centred around four key areas : economy-chang...
Is the law as we know it still fit for purpose?
What are the implications of 3D printing, how can you balance rights of privacy with concerns about security, who 'owns' the medical device inside your body?
Could algorithms keep you healthy?
Using a patient’s health data, vital signs and other real-time information, algorithms can now estimate health risks.