China 2017 - Strategic Update: The Production System

TL;DR

The future of production will be shaped by new technologies such as 3D printing and robotics, and will require collaboration across industries and sectors.

Transcript

good afternoon ladies and gentlemen a brief introduction while our speakers get seated this session is in fact inspired by a major new initiative at the World Economic Forum also called the future of production and we would love to have you more engaged in that work so please do let us know after the session if you'd like to be involved the initiat... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤩 Collaboration among industries, governments, educational institutions, and startups is key to addressing the challenges and opportunities of the future of production.
• 🪛 Advanced materials, such as those developed by Dow Chemical, are essential in driving advancements in manufacturing and transitioning to a circular economy.
• 💦 Lifelong learning programs and partnerships between industry and education are crucial in preparing the workforce for the future of work.
• 🌉 Supporting startups and creating conducive ecosystems can drive innovation and entrepreneurship in developing countries, bridging the technology gap.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can we ensure that advancements in technology and automation do not lead to job losses for workers?

Collaboration between industry, government, and educational institutions is crucial in promoting lifelong learning and reskilling programs to ensure workers have the skills needed for future jobs. This can help bridge the gap between technological advancements and the workforce.

Q: What role do startups play in the future of production?

Startups bring new solutions and innovations to the market, often targeting specific challenges in industries. They can collaborate with larger companies to access resources and markets, while also providing agility and entrepreneurial thinking to drive innovation.

Q: What policies and ecosystems are needed to support startups in developing countries?

Developing countries can create supportive ecosystems for startups by offering incentives, funding, and infrastructure. Collaboration between startups, governments, and educational institutions can help create an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Q: How can technology advancements bridge the gap between technology-advanced countries and less developed countries?

Technology can play a role in narrowing the gap by providing access to information, resources, and markets for entrepreneurs in less developed countries. Collaboration between developed and developing countries can also support knowledge and skills transfer to foster inclusive growth.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The World Economic Forum's Future of Production initiative explores how new technologies are transforming the entire chain of activities from extraction to manufacturing to the consumer. It aims to address questions around technology diffusion, lifelong learning, and sustainability.

• Dow Chemical, a leading material science company, is investing in research and development of advanced materials that contribute to a circular economy and conserve nature's value.

• Infosys, a technology service company, believes that the future of work involves billions of entrepreneurs and the need for continuous education and skills development.

• Roboterra, a startup in consumer robotics, focuses on bringing innovative learning technologies to the education sector and sees global opportunities through advancements in manufacturing and access to global talent markets.

• Singapore, as a small, geographically constrained nation, sees the need to embrace advanced manufacturing and new technologies to overcome its limitations. It aims to develop a skilled workforce and support innovation through collaboration with industry and education.