Globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution prove to be two great forces that will determine our near global future and therefore were selected as the two central themes of the 19th Spain - Japan Forum.
At this event, experts, companies, public institutions, and authorities from both Spain and Japan met to discuss and analyze the current state of and possible repurcussions of globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing specifically on the repurcussions for Spain and Japan, but also attempting to udnerstand and analyze their impact on a global scale.
With an unstoppable progress, globalization has brought with it great advantages, but is also argued to be directly responsible for the decline in the standard of living of the middle classes of developed countries. The different trade agreements that are currently in place are considered to be one of the keys in managing the impact of the evolution of globalization.
As for the so-called fourth industrial revolution, many believe this industrial movement has allowed for the emergence of new technologies (artificial intelligence, Internet Of Things, 3D printing, etc.) that have the power to alter and have already begun to change the socio-economic order we have known since World War II.
To better understand both concepts, the Japan - Spain Forum, which is the most important annual meeting between both countries, included a prominent panel of panelists from both countries. Spain, as a leading member of the EU and Japan, an undisputed technological leader, are partner countries and allies in many fronts and both countries have the opportunity to benefit economically from a joint reflection on global trends.
Our CEO, Pedro Moneo, talked about transformation of the labor market in the digital age, discussing issues such as demography (aging of the population and Millennial generation), technology (automation and job destruction), the emergence of new professions and the work of the future. He also discussed new professional skills, the challenge of professional obsolescence and humanities and STEM careers in the education of the future.
