South African citizens’ self-assessed knowledge about the fourth industrial revolution

Abstract

This study assessed the levels of knowledge of South African citizens about the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) to determine how organizations can assimilate the implications of 4IR to leapfrog the development of the country. The findings show that knowledge was higher among citizens with better socio-economic status, higher education, with in excess of R6 500 (US$464.29) household income per month, are employed full-time, and have access to uncapped internet data or could afford to spend more than R150 (US$10.72) on data per month (more than 1 GB). There were low levels of knowledge among unemployed citizens (excluding tertiary institution students and unemployed graduates) and entrepreneurs. This was concerning as these groups are the main target for the country’s economic development and growth. The study recommends increasing knowledge sharing about the 4IR and related technologies and raising awareness or advocating appropriate skills for future careers. This study serves as a baseline for the policymakers and other development agencies or stakeholders to effectively set a national agenda to respond to opportunities and challenges emerging with the 4IR.