Tag: industrialisation

For jobs to be created, new industries need to be created and for that, you need people. A unique opportunity for job creation is emerging with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which is set to not only become a new growth area of its own but will also upend innumerable existing industries.

The employment trends in the metals and engineering sector are an important indicator for the underlying structural constraints that have plagued the sector for the last decade and a half. The sector currently employs 362,871 people, which is a significant drop from the 577,507 people employed in 2008.

The steel industry is the backbone of any economy, it forms the foundation of any modern economy and is essential to every single sector. Without a healthy and vibrant local steel industry, South Africa will simply not be able to integrate and develop itself or the rest of the continent.

The fast-evolving emobility sector presents a significant opportunity for sustainable growth and job creation in Africa, but some constraints need to be overcome. Many South Africans who struggle every day to reach their places of work using minibus taxis or cars on congested motorways may find it hard to believe that an emobility revolution is about to happen. But there are a number of trends moving in that direction.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Industrial Development Zones (IDZs) play a vital role in promoting economic growth, attracting investments and driving industrialisation in Africa. As the world embraces rapid technological advancements, it is crucial for SEZs and IDZs to adapt and adopt technological change to remain competitive and foster sustainable development.

South African businesses in the metals and engineering (M&E) sector have faced enormous challenges over the past few years, with the  pandemic compounding an already difficult situation. A shrinking domestic market, declining production, weak production sales, a smaller contribution to the economy, increasing joblessness, cheap imports and low investment levels are just some of the issues they face.

As a major source of global CO2 emissions, the construction industry needs to take heed of digital solutions like 6D BIM to drive sustainability efforts and build a net-zero world for future generations. According to the World Economic Forum, the infrastructure, construction and urban development industries need to embrace the possibilities that come with digitalisation should they want to be sustainable in the future.

Footprints is a captivating story about intellectual property (IP). It speaks to its role in society, trade, industry, and economy and expounds on the actual meaning of IP. The book lays a solid foundation for innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses, and nations to realise their full potential through IP policy, legislation, use and practices.

We presented our 12th annual Tech Trends report identifying nine trends that are likely to transform businesses in the next 18-24 months. Insights include  strategy, risk, and finance implications that will empower technology leaders, business leaders and board members.

To prepare for uncertain times, we need to develop robust business models and structures that allow for experimentation and to see what grabs and what doesn’t grab. The engineering and construction sector has been operating in the same way for decades, is one of the least digitised industries in the world (21 out of 22 industries) and has not enjoyed significant productivity growth in recent years.