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.
Industries in Depth
Digital safety: We are shaping a more secure digital future
New Global Principles on digital safety are driving multistakeholder alignment and enabling positive behaviours and actions across the ecosystem.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Accelerating digital inclusion for 1 billion people by 2025
The World Economic Forum launched the EDISON Alliance to accelerate digital inclusion in critical sectors of the economy: health, education, and finance.
Nature and Biodiversity
Investing in trees: global companies are protecting and restoring forests
Over 100 companies have committed to investing in trees by conserving, restoring, and growing over 12 billion trees in over 100 countries.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
How 5G's innovation potential will lift digitalization to the next level
High-performing 5G networks are needed to support the next stage of cloud- and AI-based digitalization – and the wave of innovation that will come with it.
Geographies in Depth
China’s approach to data and AI is changing. Here’s what that means
China's approach to the digital economy is changing. The new strategy: leverage its expertise in data and AI as an economic multiplier. Here's what that means.
Manufacturing and Value Chains
Global Lighthouse Network: Transforming advanced manufacturing
132 factories are now engaged in the network, implementing advanced manufacturing technologies and boosting productivity, sustainability and resilient supply chains.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network Impact Report 2022-2023
Via its global network of 19 hubs across five continents – and growing – the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution is advancing its mission to help stakeholders harness the full pot...
Climate Action
First Movers Coalition: over 95 members send world's largest clean demand signal for emerging climate technologies
FMC has grown to over 95 members, representing the world’s largest private sector clean demand signal for emerging climate technologies.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
What is 'Industry 4.0’ and what does it mean for front-line workers?
Industry 4.0 will see rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and automation but companies must consider the views of frontline workers when adopting the technology.
Emerging Technologies
GenAI will be worth trillions. Here's a roadmap for harnessing it
Top-down direction of the technology by a steering committee and a culture of perpetual innovation are indispensable for companies that want to fully benefit from GenAI.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Technology and innovation: our 5 top stories from 2023
From artificial intelligence to the metaverse and the innovations shaping the future, here are some of our most-read technology stories this year.
Fourth Industrial Revolution