9 quotes that sum up the Fourth Industrial Revolution

There’s been a lot of talk about the Fourth Industrial Revolution at Davos – what exactly it is, and how it will radically change our lives.

Here’s a round-up of the best quotes on the theme of this year’s World Economic Forum meeting, Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum

“We must develop a comprehensive and globally shared view of how technology is affecting our lives and reshaping our economic, social, cultural, and human environments. There has never been a time of greater promise, or greater peril.”

Dileep George, artificial intelligence and neuroscience researcher

“Imagine a robot capable of treating Ebola patients or cleaning up nuclear waste.”

Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico

“Mexico is one of the only nations whose constitution recognizes the right of its people to a broadband internet connection.”

Inga Beale, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd’s

“For many people, the smartphone is the first and only computer they have.”

Gary Coleman, Global Industry and Senior Client Advisor, Deloitte Consulting

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is still in its nascent state. But with the swift pace of change and disruption to business and society, the time to join in is now.”

André Kudelski, Chairman and CEO of Kudelski Group

“Any skilled engineer can take control remotely of any connected 'thing'. Society has not yet realized the incredible scenarios this capability creates.”

Robert J. Shiller, 2013 Nobel laureate in economics, Professor of Economics, Yale University

“You cannot wait until a house burns down to buy fire insurance on it. We cannot wait until there are massive dislocations in our society to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Birgit Skarstein, Double paralympic athlete and World Rowing Champion, Norway

“For people with a disability, the Fourth Industrial Revolution will give us super powers.”

Pierre Nanterme, CEO of Accenture

“Digital is the main reason just over half of the companies on the Fortune 500 have disappeared since the year 2000.”

The Annual Meeting is taking place in Davos from 20 to 23 January, under the theme “Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.