On 21 June the The Skills Development Unit of The Innovation Hub hosted the third installation of our quarterly Innov8 sessions. In honour of youth month, this session was aptly titled, “Getting our youth ready for the 4th Industrial Revolution”. On the night over 100 guests were in attendance, an audience composed of robust dynamic and innovative young entrepreneurs. The discussion dedicated itself to unpacking the role of the youth in a technologically aspirational economy, specifically discussing the role and impact of artificial intelligence, big data, internet of things, and the presence of legal framework and policies that reflect present times
The evening was composed of two panels, characterised by CoachLab® Alumni and innovation forerunners already in operation. CoachLab® is a work readiness programme run by The Innovation Hub. The programme bridges the gap between the academic and working world, with a focus on management and personal leadership development training as well as project management and on-the job-training. All participants have access to a personal coach and industry mentors that are assigned to them based on comprehensive assessments.
The first panel addressed how young people were being prepared, and also preparing themselves, for the fourth wave of the economic revolution. The second panel discussion posed the same question to South African industry, questioning whether this major player had prepared itself for the onset of industry 4.0.
The session explored emerging technology trends and questioned what this revolution has meant and would continue to mean for the South African Youth. The audience and some panel members agreed that SMME’s were the primary driving force behind innovation in IoT, yet continued that not enough support was afford to these entities, as they often have no entry into a monopolised multinational industry. The need to pursue a more comprehensive policy agenda cognitive of global thrusts and of the under realised role of smme’s as economic front runners in the age of tech advancements.
