Fourth Industrial Revolution

" 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 technology advances that are commensurate with those of the first, second and third industrial revolutions, and which are merging the physical, digital, and biological worlds in ways that create both promise and peril. The speed, breadth, and depth of this revolution is forcing us to rethink how countries should develop, how organizations create value, and even what it means to be human. Now, as the world grapples with COVID-19, there is an opportunity to further harness the power of the revolution in ways that create a more inclusive, human-centred global economy."

Workforce and Employment

"The world of work is changing fast; recognizing and mapping new work models will be essential for channelling that change into the creation of stronger labour markets. Job creation is a constant on the global agenda, as are policies intended to ensure greater protections for both workers and their employers. The most successful approaches will utilize a firm understanding of demographics, of shifting job roles, and of the evolving demand for skills - and will leverage disruption as a means to design ideal contemporary workplaces."

Education and Skills

"Technological innovation is fundamentally transforming education, and updating the skills required for the contemporary workplace. Building future-ready education systems requires designing curricula fit for the 21st century, coupled with the consistent delivery of a basic education for everyone that builds a solid foundation for a lifetime of adapting and developing new abilities. Specialized education should provide in-demand skills, and address the disconnect between employer needs and existing instruction."

Digital Economy and New Value Creation

" The disruption caused by the Fourth Industrial Revolution has been accelerated by COVID-19, and increased our need for agility, adaptability, and positive transformation. As the global economy rapidly digitalizes, an estimated 70% of new value created over the next decade will be based on digitally enabled platform business models. However, nearly half of the world’s population remains unconnected to the internet. While digital technologies have the potential to enable new value for everyone, they risk further exacerbating exclusion, the unequal concentration of power and wealth, and social instability. Companies must use digital infrastructure and data to collaborate, develop innovative business models, navigate disruption, and transition to a new normal - post-pandemic, purpose-driven, sustainable, and inclusive.

Digital Economy and Society

"The expansion of internet access is slowing, however, and digital divides reflect economic and social divides. By 2022, an estimated 60% of global GDP will be digitized, yet a minority of people believe technology will make their lives better. While digital technology has the potential to enhance economies, societies, and the environment, if related risks outweigh these benefits it could further exacerbate exclusion, the concentration of power and wealth, and social instability. Coordinated, multi-stakeholder action is required to create a digital future that is inclusive and sustainable.