AISMA aims to inform academia and industry about current Industry 4.0 trends and future applications by supporting scientific research and innovation. In that context, founding members of the Alliance actively participated in the annual conference of the IIAS – International Institute of Administrative Sciences, organized jointly with the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, Kenya between 26-29 February 2024.
During the conference, the Alliance led a session on the fourth industrial revolution and the challenges in terms of global, national and local governance. Four insightful presentations covered diverse regions, from Egypt to Kenya, Tunisia, and beyond:
- AI in Governance: Prof. Laila El Baradei (American University in Cairo) study revealed how AI aids policy formulation in Egypt’s education sector, shedding light on new trends despite acknowledged biases. This underscores the need for policymakers to understand AI’s limitations while leveraging its potential for policy enhancement.
- Virtual Reality for Renewable Energy: Prof. Jean Bosco (PhD, Reg.Eng.) (Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Kenya) showcased Kenya’s strides in utilizing VR and AR to harness geothermal energy. With 4IR technologies, Kenya aims to expand its renewable energy capacity, offering a blueprint for the region’s sustainable energy transition.
- Future Skills Development: Eng. Sasa Simovic (Festo Didactic) highlighted Germany’s collaboration with African countries, emphasizing skill development for Industry 4.0. As technology outpaces educational systems, cross-border cooperation is crucial to bridge the gap and prepare the workforce for tomorrow’s challenges.
- Tunisia Industry 4.0 Journey: Prof. Adel Ben Youssef (University Côte d’Azur) shared Tunisia’s experiences in implementing Industry 4.0, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and skill dissemination. Tunisia’s approach underscores the need for adaptable governance structures and comprehensive training initiatives.
The session sparked engaging discussions on international policy transfer and learning from successful experiences worldwide. As we navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0, collaboration across borders (North-South, South-South, and South-North) is key to fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
Some of the conclusions will be transmitted to the organizers to propose them to the United Nations Summit for the Future, which will take place next September in New York, highlighting Africa’s role in shaping the global technological landscape.
Read the full conference report HERE
