Page 57 - University of Pretoria Research Review 2017

Foreword
Introductory Messages
DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE
PEOPLE AND CONTEXTS
4IR
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
PLANET AND SUSTAINABILITY
Awards
Lead Researchers
55
FOURTH
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Rapid advances in technology will profoundly affect societies, with the term ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) increasingly accepted globally. There is no doubt that − characterised by innovations such as artificial intelligence, automation, and biotechnology − 4IR will transform existing systems of production, management and governance*.
It is anticipated that, at least initially, 4IR will increase inequality between those countries that can leverage technology and connectivity, and those that are slower to adapt. The challenge for South Africa as a developing country is to leapfrog the constraints of a traditional and bipolar economy to developing a strong technologically advanced and connected economy that is less dependent on natural resources.
* http://www.asia-pacific.undp.org/content/rbap/en/home/library/sustainable-development/Asia-Pacific-Development-40.html