Say you want a revolution? Then this is your time. Get ready!
The history of mankind is characterised by revolutions and continuous change. Our modern civilisation is largely the result of three industrial revolutions. Many of us tend to think that we have advanced to a point where we do not need any more big changes. Yet, we are on the brink of, arguably, the biggest change in human history.
The process has already started. Due to the magnitude of change this process would bring, some even call it the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The World Economic Forum has even created a centre to study the nature and impact of this revolution and how to get prepared for the enormous changes it will bring.
The catalyst behind every past industrial revolution was innovation. The first industrial revolution was the result of innovative use of water and steam power to mechanise production.
The second was caused by the introduction of electricity to facilitate mass production. And the third was the result of the use of electronics and information technology to automate the production system.
All three industrial revolutions brought changes by first changing and improving already existing processes. However, though the fourth industrial revolution is building on the third, the nature of changes it will bring could be very different.
Characterised by the complex “fusion of technologies,” the fourth industrial revolution will change the way we live by recreating the boundary lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.
Welcome to the “true digital world.”
So, what will drive this revolution? According to the experts, a ubiquitous mobile connectivity along with emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, internet of things, quantum computing, biotechnology, nanotechnology etc will propel this revolution.
The impact
In the third industrial revolution, the internet has done almost the unthinkable.
We are always connected with our near and dear ones even if they lived far away. We are able do business with almost anyone from any corner of the earth. But while it has made our lives more connected, it has failed to provide the necessary security and privacy to make it simple and carefree.
Blockchain (the underlying technology of bitcoin) may be able to solve this problem of security and privacy in the internet. It will help to create a true online identity and ensure trust in every communication. Use of this technology would make transactions easier and faster than ever. In the process, it will reduce our dependency on the long- established intermediaries such as banks, law firms, and auditors.
AI is already in use. Through “deep learning,” AI is in the race of reaching human-level intelligence. Prediction is that it might surpass human capabilities someday as it continues learning. Initially it has started replacing repetitive jobs that do not need cognitive skills.
Meanwhile, programmers are also busy connecting every possible piece of equipment we use in our daily lives. From light bulbs to washing machines, doors, air-conditioners, and cars.
They are calling it “Internet of Things” where everything will be connected with each other and controlled through a smartphone or any other smart device. By combining AI and IoT with blockchain technology, it is possible to build a truly automated, secure, and connected world, perhaps even free of deception and corruption.
The concept of digital Bangladesh is a great one and the progress toward it is praiseworthy. However, we should not forget that we have the opportunity to take it higher
Revolution is full of uncertainty
Some believe in it, some don’t. Some get in the revolution actively, whereas some lock themselves out.
Those who will be actively working to get on board with this revolution will be the ultimate winners. For them awaits a prosperous future.
There is no denying that our country is moving forward, even though we have many basic problems to solve. In some areas, we are heading backward. This is bizarre. We have corruption almost everywhere.
But all these problems could be solved if only we could understand the significance of the opportunity that this time holds for us.
We missed all the past three revolutions. By the time we were trying to get involved in a revolution and reap the rewards, a new revolution came up and we missed that one too because we were too busy with the old one.
Therefore, it’s important to be involved from the very beginning.
Digital Bangladesh
Like last time, we are once again busy trying to capture value from the previous (third) industrial revolution instead of focusing on the current one. The concept of digital Bangladesh is a great one and the progress toward it is praiseworthy. However, we should not forget that we have the opportunity to take it higher, make it better.
Our infrastructure (both soft and hard) is not sufficient to capture the full potential and possibilities that the fourth industrial revolution presents to us. Our education system lacks everything to prepare the next generations to face the challenges ahead.
We need to invest everything possible to bring qualitative changes in the whole education system to make successive generations globally competitive and connected.
At the same time, we must join the revolution with whatever we have. This time we must not be late. This is one great opportunity. We just can’t afford to miss it.
SM Musa is a researcher on Strategy and Innovation. He writes from the Netherlands and can be reached at [email protected].
