Date: Jul 24, 2023
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

2.00 – 2.05 pm Inaugural Welcome remarks: Anirban Sarma, Senior Fellow, Centre for New Economic Diplomacy (CNED), Observer Research Foundation

Book Discussion and Q&A

2.05 – 2.15 pm Special address: Tessa Myers, Senior Vice President, Intelligent Devices, Rockwell Automation
2.15 – 2:30 pm Anchor presentation:  Pranjal Sharma, Economic Analyst and Author, The Next New: Navigating the Fifth Industrial Revolution (HarperCollins, 2023)
2:30 – 3:10 pm Book discussion Discussants
  • Sarah Fallon, Regional Director, Science, Innovation and Tech (India, Middle East), British High Commission to India
  • Vinay Malhotra, Managing Director, SLB India (formerly known as Schlumberger)
  • Tessa Myers, Senior Vice President, Intelligent Devices, Rockwell Automation
  • Pranjal Sharma, Author, The Next New: Navigating the Fifth Industrial Revolution (HarperCollins, 2023)
Moderator: Anirban Sarma, Senior Fellow, CNED, ORF
3.10 – 3.25 pm Q&A

Valedictory

3.25 – 3.30 pm Vote of thanks: Shimona Mohan, Research Assistant, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology (CSST), ORF
Tea and Refreshments

Venue Address

ORF Conference Room, 20, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area, New Delhi