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.
3 critical challenges for governing digitalization
We must challenge the irresponsible use of technology undermining our societies and democracies by prioritizing tech governance through these approaches.
Is this the future of value creation through ICT?
COVID-19 is a watershed moment in ICT. The private sector must harness optimized data to create value and sustainable smart solutions to benefit humankind.
What if we get tech right?
Experts, including members of the Global Future Council, share views on how governance can ensure emerging tech unlocks growth opportunities and serves society as a whole.
4 steps to using AI in an environmentally responsible way
If developers are not careful, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can add to the climate crisis. Here's how to deploy AI in a responsible and sustainable way.
6 ways social innovators are harnessing 4IR technologies for social change
From transforming healthcare to providing 1 billion people with a digital identity, here's how social entrepreneurs are solving our biggest challenges.
How platform know-how can drive social inclusion and empower billions
Societal platforms are shared public goods with open digital infrastructure, promoting access to education, health and economic participation at scale.
What is the Internet of Things?
COVID-19 has accelerated the use of IoT technologies, from contact tracing and fitness trackers to ‘smart homes’. But questions around governance remain.
3 ways to make technologies more inclusive for people with disabilities
From colour contrast, to screen reader facilities, inclusive user interfaces are key to mobile-enabled services.
Smart toys: Your child’s best friend or a creepy surveillance tool?
Smart toys can help with learning but pose risks if they are not designed to protect children’s data and safety.
How digital twins will troubleshoot – and even help design – the buildings of the future
Digital replicas of buildings can make construction safer, more innovative and more cost-efficient – and help save the planet as urban areas continue to grow
What is the biggest benefit technology will have on ageing and longevity?
The Global Future Council on Healthy Ageing and Longevity shares ideas on how technology will enable people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives at all ages.
Images from space could bolster the global economy – here’s how
Earth observation data is the key to unlocking transformational economic and social change in Africa, according to a new report by the World Economic Forum on Digital Earth Africa.