Davos/New Delhi, 23 January (H.S.): The World Economic Forum (WEF) announced on Friday the establishment of five new centers dedicated to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including one in Andhra Pradesh, elevating India's total to three alongside existing facilities in Mumbai and Telangana.

Strategic Global Expansion

WEF's statement outlined additional centers in France, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing artificial intelligence innovation, energy transitions, cybersecurity, and frontier technologies. These hubs will foster regional dialogues and collaborations tailored to local imperatives while advancing global technological stewardship.

Leadership Vision and Local Impact

WEF Chairman and CEO Borge Brende remarked that these centers underscore the imperative of uniting governments, industries, and experts to confront shared technological challenges. Local and regional insights from partner nations will bolster responsible development of emerging technologies, he affirmed.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu hailed the partnership as emblematic of the state's commitment to capacity-building in energy security, cyber resilience, trusted digital systems, and large-scale talent cultivation.

The forthcoming Energy and Cyber Resilience Center, established in collaboration with the state government, will pioneer innovation-driven solutions for energy transitions and fortify cybersecurity across industries.

Innovation Ecosystem and Pilot Initiatives

The center will spearhead pilot projects, consultations, and knowledge-sharing to cultivate solutions in green energy systems, cybersecurity strategies, and workforce upskilling.

WEF's global network already encompasses centers in Azerbaijan, Colombia, Germany, Korea, Israel, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, the United States, Ukraine, and Vietnam.As a multi-stakeholder platform, the Fourth Industrial Revolution network unites public and private sectors to maximize societal benefits from emerging technologies while rigorously mitigating attendant risks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar