Shaping Canada's Future through Law and Advocacy in the Era of AI and the 4th Industrial Revolution

  • January 23, 2024
  • Yoann Emian

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history as the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds before us however it is easy to underestimate its significance because we are immersed in its transformative currents. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is a period characterized by the convergence of our most advanced technologies, forging powerful tools that amplify the inherent capabilities nature has bestowed upon us. Deep learning, genomics, cognitive computing, DeepDream, scene reconstruction, object detection, event detection, activity recognition, video tracking, object recognition, motion estimation, visual servoing, 3D scene modeling, image restoration, biotechnology, the Internet, and 3D printing, all supported by artificial intelligence, are the engines of this revolution.

For an innovation to qualify as a catalyst for an industrial revolution, it must meet four essential criteria. First, it must bring about a profound change in methods of production and manufacturing, much like the steam engine revolutionized factories and transportation during the first industrial revolution. Second, it must trigger economic upheaval marked by accelerated growth, increased productivity, and the transformation of existing industries, leading to the creation of new sectors and markets, as illustrated by electricity and the oil industry during the second industrial revolution. Third, it should have social and demographic consequences. The novelty must reshape employment patterns, promote education and training, stimulate debate, and foster social mobility, even catalyzing significant labour migration movements. Fourth, it must leave a lasting technological footprint, similar to the computer revolution during the third industrial revolution.