Emerging technologies that underpin the fourth industrial revolution are transforming every aspect of society and redefining industrialization, education and development strategies. Countries are investing heavily in building new skills and new supply and value chains. While the advances in technologies promise to enhance efficiency and productivity, their contribution to economic and social development and environmental gains are not fully understood. The fourth industrial revolution may increase various forms of inequalities within and among countries, communities and different groups – creating winners and losers. Currently, only a handful of African countries have developed national strategies or began discussion on technologies that underpin the fourth industrial revolution.
Panellists will draw on the national, regional and international experiences to address among others: 1) How should African industrial strategies be tailored to ensure they are ready for emerging technologies and fourth industrial revolution? 2) How can Africa best build the human, industrial and governance capacities needed to harness emerging technologies? 3) What role should education, research and development institutions and private sector play? 5) Where are the best opportunities for Africa and how can African countries set their priorities? 6) In the face of multiple technologies and their interdependencies, and given limited capacity in national government departments, how can African countries design integrated national or regional strategies that address the needs of emerging technologies, that are inclusive?
Moderator: Mr Imraan Patel, Deputy Director-General: Socio-Economic Partnerships, Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa
Rapporteur: Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa 12:20- 13:00 Open Innovation to Accelerate Knowledge Sharing, Innovation and Developm
