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.
To build a peaceful world, we need to see the world through the eyes of other people – especially those we disagree with, writes Professor Klaus Schwab.
In order to evaluate the safety of driverless cars, we need to create accurately compare the differences between human and machine.
With advances in genetic engineering, neuroscience, pharmaceuticals and prosthetics, are we poised to enter a ‘post-human’ era?
Scientists have developed an algorithm that can make a masterpiece out of your mental images.
To engage responsibly, our next generation of scientists needs training in the arts and ethics.
Researchers at Brigham Young University in Utah have created an algorithm designed to help AI and humans learn to cooperate.
Expanding university curricula in STEM subjects to incorporate ethics could be an important development.
While our anxiety may seem challenging, it has unleashed unprecedented rates of social engagement
Artificial intelligence systems that were developed to prepare astronauts for space are now being employed to solve crimes.
Perhaps of all the new technologies that comprise the Fourth Industrial Revolution, blockchain shows the most promise for radical disruption.
How can regulators assess the risks and mitigate them sensibly without stifling the enormous potential benefits that Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies have to offer?