Riyadh: The third annual Saudi Forum for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) concluded yesterday, gathering ministers, experts, and innovators from Saudi Arabia and other countries. The event was organized by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia (C4IR Saudi Arabia) in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
According to Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef announced a significant shift during a panel discussion titled 'Industrial Leadership in the Era of Convergence.' He highlighted that Saudi Arabia's focus is now on driving future industries, moving beyond merely keeping pace with global developments. The panel was moderated by C4IR Saudi Arabia Managing Director Dr. Basma AlBuhairan.
Alkhorayef outlined the Kingdom's transformation strategy, which involves upgrading over 4,000 factories into smart facilities using artificial intelligence, automation, and 3D printing. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes technology, innovation, and sustainability as central to industrial growth. He further mentioned that the ministry is developing new industrial capabilities for future technologies while enhancing digital infrastructure, nurturing local talent, and creating a favorable regulatory environment to attract investment for modern technology adoption.
The forum's agenda included 12 panel discussions that explored the integration of drones, satellites, and AI, as well as the development of smart factories and digital twins to enhance production efficiency. Sessions focused on global best practices in advanced factories and their localization in Saudi Arabia, the future of AI in transportation, industry, and healthcare, and the impact of quantum technologies on global cybersecurity.
Participants at the forum experienced KACST's Advanced Manufacturing Centre through an interactive virtual metaverse experience led by Dr. Ibrahim AlShunaifi, showcasing key manufacturing facilities and smart logistics. Discussions also addressed the global transition from physical to knowledge capital, underscoring the importance of mental well-being and continuous learning as pillars of national competitiveness. Speakers emphasized youth and technology entrepreneurs' roles in the AI era through innovation and venture creation, noting that investing in people is the key driver of future industries.
On the sidelines of the forum, a digital 'PeerLink' platform was launched to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by facilitating a digital network for knowledge exchange and industrial transformation.
Three publications were released in partnership with the World Economic Forum: 'Deployment Pathways for Advanced Air Mobility - Lessons from Early Implementation in Saudi Arabia,' 'From Barriers to Breakthroughs: How Peer-to-Peer Learning Can Help SMEs Embrace Digital Transformation,' and a joint paper with C4IR India titled 'Building Communities for Impact: Lessons from the Centers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution India and Saudi Arabia.'