Active role of learning institutions in promoting Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

Abstract

Industrial revolution has gone through four phases denoted as the 1st industrial revolution (industry 1.0) through the 4th industrial revolution (4IR or industry 4.0). The 4th industrial revolution is taking place in the digital and knowledge based economy. The major enablers of 4IR are integrated technologies that include Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), and Cloud Computing (CC). University campuses and other learning institutions play an important role in promoting creativity and innovation among student and professional communities. Such efforts range from boot camps to winter school programs. They promote rapid catching up with fast changing technology, in collaborative, unique and inspiring environments. Extra curricula activities administered to multidisciplinary groups are more effective compared to traditional individual centered assignments. The article looks at the role that the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) plays in creating an environment conducive to promote 4IR. A qualitative approach is used to study the engineering education initiatives since the inception of the university. Currently BIUST uses the winter school model for enrolled engineering students. The program allows second year students to undergo various engineering workshop practices, gaining essential hands-on skills. The BIUST engineering workshop houses more than twenty laboratories. In order to promote 4IR, the laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-arts machinery for thermal processes, advanced manufacturing, meteorology, and many other disciplines. Other initiatives being mooted to promote 4IR are targeted infrastructure, skills development, financing models, and promoting partnerships between public and private sector (3Ps) through MOUs.