The World Economic Forum is set to launch four new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), including C4IR South Africa at the University of Pretoria (UP).
The newly-announced Centres in Pretoria, Muscat (Oman), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and Uttar Pradesh (India) will tackle critical global challenges with innovative solutions tailored to national and regional needs.
The announcement is complemented by the release of Forum’s C4IR Network 2023-2024 Impact Report, which highlights how the expanding global network is advancing technological solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges.
“The upcoming launches of three new C4IR Centres underscores our commitment to shaping a future where technology better serves humanity,” says Børge Brende, president and CEO of the World Economic Forum. “Together, with our growing network of global partners, we will continue to harness the power of innovation to address society’s most pressing challenges and create localized solutions with global reach.”
The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a platform for multistakeholder collaboration, bringing together public and private sectors to maximise technological benefits to society while minimizing the risks. It explores exponential technologies and drives their responsible adoption and application, leveraging a global network of independent national and thematic centres.
South Africa Centre for Industry and Technology
Hosted by the University of Pretoria and run in collaboration with South African academic institutions, the South Africa Centre for Industry and Technology will advance the nation’s readiness for the future of global value chains and the energy transition, with a focus on the twin challenges of inclusive cross-industry digitization and decarbonisation.
To accelerate innovation and partnerships in pursuit of this mission, the Centre will partner with government and business, and leverage the Forum’s global communities and initiatives, notably those led by the Forum’s Centres for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains and Energy and Materials and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“The launch of the Centre for Industry and Technology, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, is a major step in driving technological progress and industrial transformation,” says Professor Francis Petersen, vice-chancellor and principal of UP. “The Centre will help position South Africa for manufacturing readiness and support its sustainable energy transition towards net zero. The University of Pretoria is proud to sign this agreement today.”
C4IR Oman
Hosted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, C4IR Oman will be aligned with the country’s “Vision 2040” and spearhead its technological and digital transformation. Once launched, the Centre – the first in the country – will focus on AI competitiveness, governance, the energy transition and quantum.
By harnessing cutting-edge technologies, the Centre will catalyse national development, drive sustainable economic growth and solidify Oman’s position as a leader in innovation in the Intelligent Age. Through this collaboration, C4IR Oman will contribute to the Forum’s AI Governance Alliance, with a particular focus on how AI can advance the energy transition.
“Oman is partnering with the World Economic Forum to leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution for a sustainable future,” says Said Mohammed Ahmed Al-Saqri, minister of economy of Oman. “Guided by Vision 2040, we’re equipping youth with tools, technologies, education and training to excel in the digital era. Through innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, we aim to build skills that drive growth and advance Oman forward.”
Riyadh Centre for Cyber Economics
Hosted by the Global Cybersecurity Forum in Riyadh, the Centre for Cyber Economics (CCE) will focus on the economic aspects of cybersecurity. It will drive research, foster cross-sector collaboration and develop evidence-based frameworks to enhance global cybersecurity resilience and economic stability. Another key area of focus will be reducing cyber disparities across geographies and industries.
“Cybersecurity is a catalyst for economic growth and social prosperity, playing an imperative role in shaping resilient economies,” says Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority of Saudi Arabia, acting on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Global Cybersecurity Forum. “The Centre for Cyber Economics marks a decisive step towards advancing knowledge and understanding of the economic dimension of cybersecurity to safeguard economic growth, unlock new opportunities and reveal new pathways for cross-sector collaboration towards a resilient future for global economies.”
2023-2024 C4IR Impact Report Highlights
The C4IR 2023-2024 Impact Report highlights the transformative global impact of the C4IR Network.
Over the past year, the Network launched over 70 initiatives, engaged more than 300 partners and collaborators, and saw more than 14 000 people participate in over 70 in-person or virtual events.
The report breaks down the Network’s achievements across seven core thematic areas:
- “Ushering in the Intelligent Age” through advancements in AI and automation
- “Transforming agriculture and food systems” to address global food security
- “Revolutionizing health and biotechnology” by expanding access to health innovation and education
- “Accelerating energy transition and sustainability” to support global climate goals
- “Innovating mobility with autonomous systems” to improve efficiency in the movement of people and goods
- “Upskilling tomorrow’s workforce” to ensure society progresses alongside technological advances
- “Fostering investments in competitiveness and emerging technologies” by exploring areas like digital assets, quantum computing and space innovation
The thematic areas highlight 12 case studies from eight countries: Azerbaijan, India, Israel, Malaysia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and the United States.
These efforts demonstrate the Forum’s commitment to harnessing technology to address pressing challenges and foster sustainable, inclusive global growth. As the Forum expands its global reach through the establishment of new centres throughout 2025, these themes will remain critical, with new centres tailoring their efforts to meet the unique needs and strengths of their host nations.