العربية
Registration is free. I would like to attend:


Please make a selection.
Sign up with Facebook or Linkedin
or
I agree to the Terms and Conditions
Please provide your full name and valid e-mail.
After you click Register, you will receive an email confirmation.
Sign up for Newsletter

ABOUT 4IR

Fourth Industrial Revolution

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), also known as the Digital Revolution, is a cross-sectoral transformation unprecedented in human history, in terms of speed, scope and complexity. Experts place its origins in the early 21st century, coinciding with the large-scale proliferation of the Internet, smartphones and artificial intelligence around the world.

This revolution is spearheaded by rapid advancement in a number of key technologies, most notably artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, self-driving cars, 3D printing, Big Data, Blockchain and digital currencies, the Internet of Things (IoT), nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy storage and quantum computing.

Experts believe the Fourth Industrial Revolution will affect every aspect of life – political, social and economic – and will enhance the production of knowledge. Given this significant and far-reaching impact, it is important for governments, corporations, civil society organisations and all stakeholders to thoroughly understand these developments, anticipate the challenges they come with and develop solutions for them, while developing a set of common values ​​and standards.

Mankind had already witnessed three industrial revolutions that transformed various aspects of life: the first was brought about by the invention of the steam engine, while the second industrial revolution, where steam power was replaced with electricity, drastically altered society with electric power invading industry, communication and transportation. The third industrial revolution, meanwhile, saw the invention of the computer and the transfer of the first message using the Internet, which then infiltrated almost every aspects of manufacturing, communications and education.

UAE’s Vision

The UAE launched the Fourth Industrial Revolution Council in 2016 to develop a comprehensive strategy for utilising the technological innovations brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as to prepare for its challenges. The Emirates is on a bold mission to transform itself into the world’s first open laboratory to test and implement Fourth-Industrial-Revolution technologies.

Exceptional Transformations

Perhaps the most pertinent analysis of the Fourth Industrial Revolution can be found in the 2016 book ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’, written by Professor Klaus Schwab, President and Founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The book examines the key dimensions of the 4IR, based on Prof. Schwab’s extensive experience and his first-hand insight into how prominent world leaders have strategized to steer the digital revolution, in addition to highlighting the opportunities and challenges brought about by the 4IR.

In the book, Schwab explains that the changes ushered in by the Fourth Industrial Revolution are exceptional and unprecedented in many ways. He delineates three key aspects, the first of which is Velocity: unlike the previous industrial revolutions, the 4IR is advancing at an exponential rate, as opposed to a linear one. The best example of this is the iPhone, which was announced by Apple in 2007 and quickly reached an estimated 2 billion users by the end of 2015.

Second, Scope: the effects of this new revolution are deep, wide-reaching and reverberate across all aspects of human life. The 4IR affects societies, individuals, workers and governments alike; it doesn’t only change how we do things, but also how we view ourselves. The third and final aspect is the Systems Impact: the 4IR is disrupting almost every industry in every country, and the breadth and depth of these changes herald the transformation of entire systems of production, management, and governance. The Fourth Industrial Revolution would leave its mark over all areas of political, economic and social life, changing the dynamic between the world’s superpowers and developing countries. It would also change the way governments deal with their citizens and companies with their employees and customers.

According to Schwab, the effects of the 4IR will extend to the structure of society and transform the current social class system. It will create new jobs and eliminate existing ones: self-driving cars will replace chauffeurs, robots will replace workers, drones will replace delivery workers, etc. On the flip side, however, the Revolution will promote the use of three-dimensional printers, bringing about new opportunities for design and production, as well as online shopping, which will necessitate the development of better e-payment systems.

Preparing for Change

It is essential for governments, companies, civil society organisations and even academics and experts to understand the developments and challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in order to effectively prepare for it, stresses Klaus Schwab, urging world leaders to bring together the world’s brightest mind across government and private sectors and develop a holistic approach to address the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Values ​​and ethics must remain at the core of our individual and collective behaviour, he asserted; we must move from tolerance and respect to genuine care, compassion, empowerment and inclusion.

Schwab also called for restructuring the prevailing economic, social and political systems: the 4IR will affect people, culture and values, he reminded, so it is important to prioritise people in order to achieve sustainable and holistic development.

Connect with us

LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram
© 2017 The Knowledge Summit