Presentation on 4IR
Key areas
Introduction
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
Key Drivers of 4IR
Impact of 4IR on Society and the Economy
4IR in South Africa my country
Introduction:
We are living in an era where the boundaries between the physical,
digital, and biological worlds are becoming increasingly blurred. This
fusion is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or 4IR. It is not
simply an extension of the digital revolution that came before it, but
rather a fundamental shift in the way we live, work, and relate to one
another. In this presentation we explore what 4IR means, the
technologies that drive it, its potential benefits, and the challenges it
brings along.
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
1. Artificial Intelligence
2. Internet of Things
3. Big Data & Analytics
4. Robotics & Automation
5. Blockchain
6. Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering
7. 3D Printing
Impact of 4IR on Society and the Economy
The Fourth Industrial Revolution opens a world of possibilities. In business,
it helps companies work smarter, become more creative, and better meet
the needs of their customers. In healthcare, it's leading to faster
diagnoses, better treatment options, and even the potential to predict and
prevent illness. In education, it’s making learning more flexible, engaging,
and tailored to individual needs. And in our daily lives, smart homes,
fitness trackers, and digital assistants are already changing the way we
live and interact with the world around us.
But with all these advancements come important challenges. As machines
and automation take over more tasks, many jobs could disappear
especially in industries that rely on manual labour. There's also growing
concern about how personal data is collected and used, and about the
ethical questions that come with powerful technologies like artificial
intelligence and genetic editing. Perhaps most concerning is the risk of
widening the gap between those who have access to technology and
those who don’t, making it harder for some communities to keep up.
4IR in South Africa my country
In a country like South Africa, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a double-
edged sword. On one side, it opens exciting doors—offering the chance to
leap past old, outdated systems and become a real player in the global
digital economy. On the other side, there are serious challenges that must
be faced. Many people still don’t have access to reliable technology or the
internet, there’s a shortage of digital skills, and some policies haven’t kept
up with the pace of change.
To truly benefit from this revolution, everyone needs to come together
government, businesses, schools, and communities. That means providing
more training in digital and tech skills, supporting young entrepreneurs
and innovators, and making sure that new technology supports the
country’s bigger goals like reducing inequality, creating jobs, and growing
the economy in a fair and sustainable way
South African Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(PC4IR), Final Report (2020).
Available at: https://www.gov.za/documents/fourth-industrial-revolution-
commission-report