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.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Embracing technology as a service will fuel the circular economy. Here's how.
Technology as a service generates significant growth opportunities for industry, as well as sustainable outcomes. It's a win-win situation, but requires strategic overhaul.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
How 3D-printed organs could save the lives of transplant patients
Biomedical engineering researchers are developing 3D temporary organ structures that may help regenerate damaged tissues and potentially lead to creating artificial organs.
Emerging Technologies
How Monopoly is helping create the AI of the future
It's hoped the experiment could improve the function of AI in real-life situations, such as whether someone should be approved for a credit card.
Resilience, Peace and Security
How cloud technology is helping migrants stay safe during the pandemic
The ability to gather, process and analyse large amounts of data from a variety of print and online sources is increasingly important – now more so than ever during the pandemic.
Geographies in Depth
Satellites and AI have just accurately counted 1.8b trees in West Africa
Researchers used high-resolution satellite data and machine-learning techniques to map billions of trees and shrubs in West Africa.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
5 visions of the future from our Global Technology Governance Summit
The World Economic Forum’s Global Technology Governance Summit explored how to ensure that a tech-driven future benefits everyone and drives COVID-19's recovery.
Emerging Technologies
How businesses can realize the benefits of the cloud
Businesses are increasingly leveraging cloud technologies to increase security and efficiency. But progress has been lacking at achieving impact at scale.
Nature and Biodiversity
5 ways new monitoring technologies can help cities combat air pollution
There is a lack of data on rising air pollution in cities worldwide – but a new London scheme shows how low-cost monitors can plug that gap and help us improve air quality
Cybersecurity
Here's how the aviation sector is stopping cyberattacks from getting off the ground
With the growing technological complexity of the aviation sector, the ICAO is working to create harmonized standards to protect it from cyberthreats.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
How learning through play as a child can help you succeed as an adult
The ability to adapt is essential today. If parents and educational systems leveraged learning through play, we could all be more prepared for the future.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
How slowing down the cashless frenzy could ensure a more inclusive society in East Asia
Cash-free payment methods have become life-changing across Asia. However, becoming a cashless society should be a gradual process, and ensure no one is left behind.
Emerging Technologies
Why philanthropy needs to prepare itself for a world powered by AI
A new Global AI Action Alliance creates a platform for philanthropic and technology leaders to engage in the development of ethical AI practices and tools.