Gain knowledge to succeed in the fourth industrial age

Source: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. The summit was inaugurated by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai (6th from left). He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai (2nd from right), and Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (right).

Knowledge will be key to succeeding a digital world, said speakers at the opening ceremony of the fourth Knowledge Summit in the UAE. The fourth edition of the summit, under the theme Knowledge and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is studying the impact of the new industrial revolution on individuals, institutions and nations.

Dr Hani Al Mulki, PM of Jordan and the guest of honour, told the audience that the Arab world must continue to embrace change caused by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). “The digital revolution is a competitive and collaborative campaign between man and machine,” he said.

Dr Al Mulki said the 4IR is an opportunity for all nations to develop expertise on human development, technological change and sustainability. “The question is, are we ready to absorb [the impact of the 4IR] and use it for the development of our countries?” he asked.

He stressed that emerging technologies such as drones, autonomous vehicles and 3D printers are meant to empower humans. “This revolution is not taking place to empower machinery, but to collaborate with people in order to empower them and to result in higher levels of productivity, and less pressure on natural resources — and accordingly, a better living standard for everyone,” he said.

Dr Al Mulki also emphasised on education in the Arab world and referred to the global initiatives launched by HH Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “Education is the true indicator of a country’s progress and success in addressing the fourth industrial revolution,” he said.

Dr Al Mulki predicted that the Arab world will see more education and less unemployment as it embraces the digital revolution. “We will witness smart projects, digital marketing projects, flying cars, driverless cars, and a world without disease,” he said.

Dr Al Mulki also spoke of the need to empower Arab youth with technological skills. He pointed out that job requirements in the near future will differ from those needed in the traditional job market. “The economic, social and human structure must be developed,” he said.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) separately announced that Switzerland tops the Global Knowledge Index, followed by Singapore, Finland, and the Netherlands. The Global Knowledge Index 2017 was launched by the Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to study knowledge at an international level, identify opportunities and challenges in the Arab world and compare them with those of other countries around the world. The Index studies 131 countries over six categories, namely ICT, research and innovation, the economy, pre-university education, technical education and training, and higher education.

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