The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is a new era of technological innovation, one that is improving human-machine relationships, opening up new market opportunities, and propelling growth throughout the global economy.
Various groups in South Africa are supporting the 4IR and taking initiatives to harness it. However, there is still a long way to go before South Africans can reap the benefits of innovation-led prosperity. First, there must be a sufficient supply of advanced engineering skills.
Aside from that, people in ordinary occupations must learn how to deal with the disruptive consequences of new technology in their workplaces. The future of South Africa’s education system is critical in the country’s journey toward the 4IR.
Digital technologies have the ability to dramatically improve education, and they have emerged as critical tools for reducing the learning disruption produced by COVID-19. We are entering an era of technological empowerment, but in order to profit from the numerous solutions provided by 4IR technologies, we must first address the growing professional skills gap.
What exactly is the 4IR?
The fourth industrial revolution (the 4IR) is the current period in which countries around the world are adopting game-changing technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Most crucially, the 4IR does not treat any of these technologies separately. Instead, it refers to the merging of these high-powered technological tools with our physical and biological realities. Consider omnipresent computers, interconnected digital devices, intelligent robotics, self-driving vehicles, gene editing, organic matter printing, and even brain improvements.
What does South Africa stand to gain from the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
4IR causes a wide range of changes in all aspects of life, including industry and education. 4IR is distinguished by its extraordinary rate of technical innovation. Education has sought to keep up with these changes; however, the usefulness and limitations of technology in this field are not extensively documented.
Is South Africa a part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
In 2021, the CSIR took over as home of South Africa’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR South Africa).
What influence will 4IR have on South Africa?
AI in medical diagnostics, the Internet of Things (IoT) for consumer products, and mobile applications for financial transactions, transportation, and utility vending were among the 4IR technologies that witnessed the most growth in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.
