OTTAWA – Canada needs to strengthen the skills of its workers to realize the potential and reap the rewards from the Internet of Things-led fourth Industrial Revolution, says the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC).
According to the organization’s most recent policy paper, Inspiring Unfettered Innovation, the Revolution centres in part around the IoT's devices communicating with each other – machine-to-machine – independent of human interaction and the ability to build in automated responses, analytics, and intelligence. These associated technologies – automation, data analytics and artificial intelligence – multiplied across billions of connected IoT devices create new opportunities and challenges. Just as employers can increase productivity of workers, automate repetitive tasks, and maximize efficiencies, workers and future workers will need to adapt to new skills and leverage new technologies.
“Marshalling towards open culture in the face of changing global mobility and trade, Canada should be using mechanism of Open for growth”, reads the paper’s news release. “Through Innovation Clusters, collaborative R&D, and open data, Canada can advance new opportunities and grow our economy faster and more effective through altruistic activities. Open Innovation will be critical for Canada to compete globally, capitalize on the various sectors and seek long-term benefit as we compete globally to provide the best goods and service, and a higher quality of life for our country.”
