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.
Nature and Biodiversity
These robotic fish are changing our understanding of the ocean
The best way for humans to study the oceans could be to act more like fish — or at least to appear more fish-like to other marine life.
Civil Society
A glimpse into the future of human rights
As we approach the 70th anniversary of the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, where has progress been made, and what challenges remain?
Fourth Industrial Revolution
AI weeds: what they are, how they could choke off the internet
"Suddenly, our computers will be full of algorithms that, like weeds, will adapt quickly and seek new ways to capture living space."
Jobs and the Future of Work
What disasters teach us about avoiding mistakes at work
In 1986, the US shuttle exploded due to a faulty rubber seal. What can we learn from the disaster about teamwork and those tiny, crucial jobs?
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Disrupting business models is not enough. We need tech innovation too
The shared economy is disrupting traditional industries and making conventional companies rethink their business model. But innovation based on the shared economy alone is not sufficient...
Emerging Technologies
3 ways AI could threaten our world, and what we need to do to stay safe
What do we need to do to avoid AI being exploited by rogue states, terrorists and criminals?
Fourth Industrial Revolution
4 ways art is sculpting the Fourth Industrial Revolution
We need the arts to stimulate debate over the impact of technological breakthroughs on society
Emerging Technologies
A glimpse into the future of behavioural sciences
How are Behavioural Sciences applied in our economy and society currently? What opportunities will they open up in the next 10-15 years? Which sectors can profit most? What are the risks ...
Industries in Depth
How technology can be used to combat online hate speech
Online bullying, hate and incitement are on the rise, and new approaches are needed to tackle them.
Sustainable Development
Latin America is squandering its most valuable resource. Here’s what we need to do
Despite outstanding biodiversity, our countries are failing to capitalize on their natural riches.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
City jobs are no more at risk of automation than they were a century ago
Once it was servants, today it's sales reps. New research confirms that when it comes to the rise of the robots, cities have seen it all before.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Manufacturing jobs used to be the path to prosperity. Not anymore
New research shows the days of high levels of manufacturing employment are over across the world.