Research on 4th Industrial Revolution

The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority commissioned City Insights to conduct strategic research on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and its implications for skills development in local government (PDF, 1.80MB). The study examines the concept of 4IR, highlighting case studies and best practices that illustrate 4IR impact on municipalities' skills needs. It provides recommendations for South African local government to adapt to the changes brough by 4IR. 

The study makes the following key recommendations:

1. Policy Development: Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and National Treasury (NT) should create a policy paper to guide municipalities on integrating  4IR into their medium- and long-term planning, addressing the current disconnect in adapting to new technologies.
2. E-Government Adoption: Local governments should develop and embrace e-government initiatives to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability, while promoting the sharing of best practices.
3. Skills Reassessment: COGTA, NT, and South African Local Government Association (SALGA) should facilitate knowledge sharing to reassess local skills needed for 4IR transition.
4. Citizen Engagement: E-government should be leveraged to improve citizen engagement and service delivery, especially for vulnerable populations, through online systems for public transport and e-health services.
5. Digital Strategy Inclusion: COGTA should lead efforts for local governments to incorporate digital strategies into their Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) as distinct chapters.
6. Tailored Municipal Strategies: Municipal strategies for 4IR must be context-specific, integrated with national and provincial strategies, and prioritise improving South Africa's information and communication infrastructure.
7. Consistent Messaging: COGTA should ensure clear communication regarding technological advancements to avoid conflicting messages, particularly concerning licensing fees from international private sector interests versus simpler open-source solutions.
8. Promotion of Local Best Practices: Existing successful practices in South African municipalities should be highlighted, encouraging local solutions before looking globally.

Abstract based on original source.