The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities for Mena Region

Abstract

The new technologies driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution are expected to cause substantial impact on human societies. Recent advancement in digital technologies is changing market demand for labor by introducing new tasks that require new skills. The new technologies including automation, robotics and artificial intelligence are disruptive causing structural unemployment and inequalities among and within nations. In particular, countries in MENA region need to respond to the challenges of the new technologies by formulating strategies aiming at increasing participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and sustaining economic growth. This paper sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing developing countries in general and MENA region in particular by discussing the prospects that these countries can benefit from the new digital economy.