THE Covid-19 pandemic has shown how fast new technologies can change the world. Scientists used vast computational power for genomic sequencing that tracked the virus as it mutated. Digital technology was key in modifying messenger RNA to create successful vaccines. Within a year of the virus’ formal identification at the end of 2019, several countries had launched population-wide vaccination campaigns, although many poorer countries struggled with limited access.
The lessons from Covid-19 highlight some of the major challenges societies will face in the coming decades. First, how to harness Industry 4.0 technologies including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and robotics to address pressing global challenges that require immediate and effective approaches.
Second, how to help ensure that the expected benefits of those advances are more evenly…
