The World Economic Forum on Friday announced its decision to establish five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) across different parts of the world, including one in India’s Andhra Pradesh.
With this move, India will now host three WEF-linked Fourth Industrial Revolution centres, adding Andhra Pradesh to the existing centres in Mumbai and Telangana.
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network (FIRN)?
Launched by WEF in 2017, the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network (FIRN) is designed as a global platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration.
As per WEF, the platform enables fruitful collaboration between governments, companies, experts and institutions to work together to ensure that new technologies like AI, digital systems and automation benefit society while reducing risks.
Besides Andhra Pradesh, the other new centres will be in France, the UK and the UAE.
What the new centres will focus on
Each centre will work closely with governments and industries to build practical policies, pilot projects and real-world solutions for fast-growing technologies.
The main focus areas will include: Artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, Energy transition and green technologies, Cybersecurity and digital resilience, Frontier and emerging technologies
These centres will address local needs while also contributing to global cooperation and shared technology standards, the WEF said.
Andhra Pradesh centre: Energy and cyber resilience
The centre in Andhra Pradesh is being set up in partnership with the state government as a Centre for Energy and Cyber Resilience. It will focus on building stronger systems for clean energy, digital security and technology-led development.
Through pilot projects, policy consultations and knowledge sharing, the centre will work on: Green energy systems, Cybersecurity strategies, Digital infrastructure, Workforce and talent development.
WEF President and CEO Borge Brende said the new centres show the importance of collaboration in shaping technology responsibly. “By bringing governments, industry and experts together, we can solve shared technology challenges and ensure emerging technologies serve society,” he said.
As per a statement made by representatives from WEF, each centre is supposed to work with governments and industry participants to deliver pragmatic policy frameworks and systems that work towards balancing regional inequality whilst furthering the agenda of international cooperation.