Every industrial revolution marks a period of transition in human history. After the first industrial revolution, with the arrival of the steam engine, followed by electricity and mass production, associated with the second industrial revolution, and the arrival of the first personal computers and the internet, related to the third industrial revolution, we have now reached the 4th industrial revolution.

This fourth revolution is different in nature from the previous ones, as it is characterised by a range of technologies that link the physical and digital worlds, with an impact on all areas of activity, economies and industries.

This connection between digital, physical and biological systems challenges the very definition of what it means to be human. According to the WEF - World Economic Forum, technology will evolve so much that it will become difficult to distinguish between what is natural and what is artificial.

 

"One of the features of the fourth industrial revolution is that it does not change what we do, but it changes us."

- Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum

 

 

 

The WEF video also discusses the ideal economic model for this new digital age. Stewart Wallis, of the New Economics Foundation, stresses the importance of changing the current economic system so that it can meet the basic needs of all human beings, is environmentally sustainable and fairer, and has the maximisation of human wellbeing as its main goal, rather than the economic growth associated with the models that dominated in the past.

The transformation of community values and the cities of the future are also mentioned in the video. On this topic, there is discussion of the impact that new technology trends such as 3D printing and robotics will have on the sustainability of the cities of the future and on the satisfaction and happiness of their inhabitants.

As for energy use, the great challenge will be to create an integrated global network for renewable energy production, permanently running and reaching every inhabitant of the planet.

 

"I like to think that we are reaching the final phase of a period in human history in which we used fossil fuels, which were very useful for a long time, but now it is time to change. We already have the technologies needed to supply energy to all of humanity: solar, wind, biomass."

- Naomi Oreskes, Harvard University

 

Work will also be affected by the fourth industrial revolution, with the role of employees changing in order to maximise the potential of technology. The roles and skills required will change, but sectors such as construction, manufacturing, health and education will continue to exist. Some more repetitive jobs may be replaced by algorithms and machines with artificial intelligence but, on the other hand, technology-related jobs will be created.

Watch the video and discover how the fourth industrial revolution will have an impact on the environment, the economy, health, the future of work, education and knowledge sharing.

 

"We must accept responsibility at every level of society, from the individual and personal to the institutional and global, for adapting to these challenges and technological changes that are redefining what it means to be human, to work and to be fully integrated into the world."

- Jon Kabat-Zinn, University of Massachusetts

 

 

 

Written by:
Openlimits

June 26, 2017 - 10:04:00

Olá Ivan, Antes de mais, agradecemos o seu comentário e o interesse demonstrado. Esse tópico será abordado num dos próximos posts de blog. Fique atento! Cumprimentos

Written by:
Mafalda Martins

June 24, 2017 - 20:07:59

Caros, Acompanhando as tendências predictivas da era digital, gostaria de um esclarecimento: Como os países que estão em processo de desenvolvimento irão equacionar a questão da falta de especialização dos trabalhadores de sua população?

Written by:
Ivan de Almeida

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