The Next New: Navigating the Fifth Industrial Revolution

We are entering the dynamic landscape of the fifth industrial revolution, where exponential technology-led transformations are disrupting traditional business models across sectors such as mobility, aerospace, smart manufacturing, green energy, automation, and artificial intelligence. Even traditionally offline businesses are moving toward a technologised future: According to Fujitsu’s 2021 Global Digital Transformation Survey Report, 44 percent of currently offline businesses are planning to automate half or more of their functions by 2025.

What are the driving forces behind these changes? In the context of the fifth industrial revolution, how can businesses balance the need for technological innovation with the importance of social inclusion and sustainable practices?  How can organisations effectively embrace the concept of “creative destruction” to adapt to the constant changes brought about by emerging technologies? As we enter the fifth industrial revolution, what skills and competencies will be crucial for professionals to thrive in this new era? How can individuals and organisations prepare themselves for the evolving demands of the future?

These questions and more animate Pranjal Sharma’s latest book, The Next New: Navigating the Fifth Industrial Revolution (HarperCollins, 2023). The event at ORF will see the author and a group of high-powered business and policy leaders discussing the themes of The Next New, and exploring the cascading changes that are defining our world.

Programme