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.
Emerging Technologies
To harness the AI age, governments must keep these 7 factors in mind
AI can't advance until governments take issues like data literacy, responsible procurement and careful investment seriously. Here are the factors governments should prioritize to ensure A...
Industries in Depth
This smart strip can tell you if your food is safe to eat or not
Engineers from MIT have developed a smart Velcro-like food sensor that can inform consumers if food has spoilt, or is contaminated, battling the issue of food waste.
Forum Institutional
Here’s why AI needs a more diverse workforce
Companies and governments need to ensure that those developing artificial intelligence don’t perpetuate or accelerate bias.
Forum Institutional
The unexpected benefits of virtual education
Collaborating online will prepare students with the organizational acumen, emotional intelligence and self-discipline needed for modern careers.
Forum Institutional
Tech for Good: What are the challenges in making technology and digitization more sustainable?
Technology can create opportunity – or exacerbate inequality. Responsible governance and inclusivity can ensure innovation helps us meet the SDG targets.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
How the 4IR is driving a new wave of energy innovation
From the rollout of intelligent machinery to the industrial deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the world is undergoing a fundamental transformation that is creating new possib...
Forum Institutional
3 questions for leaders using tech to make the world a better place
Strong leadership on using technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals will define a course for development that will benefit humanity for decades.
Manufacturing and Value Chains
Why workers are key to the sustainable, smart factories of the future
Factories from top companies like Unilever and Alibaba are adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Learn why their efforts earned them spots among the World Economic Forum's s...
Forum Institutional
This new technology can save whales from ship collisions
Whale-ship collisions are occurring at an increasing rate. Could a newly developed digital tool help mariners around the world to avoid whale strikes?
Manufacturing and Value Chains
These 10 new 'Lighthouse' factories show the future of manufacturing is here
Meet some of the world’s most advanced factories, that are leading the way to help others become more resilient - and more sustainable.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Harnessing Technology for the Global Goals: A Framework for Corporate Action
Progress to reach the UN’s Global Goals by 2030 was already off track as we entered the 2020s, only worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This report is an initial step towards clarifying ho...
Cybersecurity
Remote work carries massive cyber risks. These top IT tips can help keep your workers secure
Remote work carries massive cyber risks. Understanding the new landscape of IT security challenges in the COVID-era remote workplace can better help companies protect their workers and th...