11th Gulf Education Conference

This conference explores the relationship between universities and the fourth industrial revolution with a view to universities shaping it more effectively and preparing society to make the most of it.

Unlike the first industrial revolution, which was driven by steam, the second by electrical power and the third by advances in electronics, automation, and digital technologies, the fourth industrial revolution is much more complex. It is driven by a disruptive fusion of new and existing technologies in physical, digital and biological realms which is having an impact on society globally at an accelerating pace. It is raising opportunities and issues about the nature of work, the use of technologies, economies, governance, values and responsibility as well as the quality of life and its impact on the planet.

Universities have played a central role in creating the elements of the revolution and will play a greater role in developing it and enabling society to engage with it so as to gain maximum benefit from it.

After a top-level review of how the fourth industrial revolution is developing, how Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are viewing the revolution and how they are responding to it, the conference will unpack the particular opportunities and challenges which it presents to universities. It will do this through the themes of research, teaching and learning, internationalization, engaging with stakeholders and leading and reforming the university itself.

So, how will this conference help university leaders and those leading aspects of industry, commerce, the professions and government to make a difference?

The conference will be held February 23-24, 2020, at the University of Business and Technology, Dhaban Campus, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.