SYLLABUS
GS-3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Context: Recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution to promote responsible adoption of emerging technologies through global public-private collaboration.
More on the News
• The WEF formally decided to establish five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in January 2026.
• These centres will be located in France (Paris), the United Kingdom (London), the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi – two centres), and in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• These centres are part of the WEF’s global 4IR Network, which brings together governments, businesses, academic institutions and experts to develop policy frameworks, pilots and solutions for emerging technologies.
• With this, India will host three such centres after Mumbai and Hyderabad.
- C4IR Hyderabad (Telangana): Launched in 2023, it is the world’s first thematic centre focused exclusively on Healthcare and Life Sciences.
- C4IR Mumbai (Maharashtra): Established in 2018, it serves as a broader national hub for driving the responsible deployment of technologies like AI, Blockchain, and Drones.
Details of the Newly Announced Centres
• Centre for Energy and Cyber Resilience – Andhra Pradesh, India
- It is established in partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
- It will promote innovation-led approaches to the energy transition.
- It will strengthen cyber resilience across industries.
- It will develop scalable solutions in green energy, cybersecurity and workforce development.
• European Centre for AI Excellence – Paris, France.
• Centre for AI Driven Innovation – London
• Centre for Frontier Technologies – Abu Dhabi
• Centre for Intelligent Future – Abu Dhabi
About the Fourth Industrial Revolution
• The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR or Industry 4.0, refers to the rapid technological advancements of this century – emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and biotechnology.
• The term was coined in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum. It builds upon the digital foundation of the Third Industrial Revolution but is distinguished by its unprecedented velocity, scope, and systems impact.
About the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network
• The Fourth Industrial Revolution Network was launched by the World Economic Forum in 2017.
• It is a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration involving governments, industry and experts.
• The network aims to ensure that emerging technologies benefit society while reducing risks.
• It brings together independent national and thematic centres across multiple regions of the world.
Objectives of the New Centres
• The centres will work closely with governments and industry partners.
• They will develop practical and adaptable policy frameworks.
• They will implement pilot projects based on regional priorities.
• They will promote international dialogue and cooperation on technology governance.