At home and abroad, the first two weeks of April have been great for science and technology, and for international collaboration. The first image of a black hole at the centre of the Messier galaxy, 87.55-million light years from Earth, was captured by eight Earth-based radio telescopes. It was one of those moments when one felt great to be alive and have access to shared information. Also last week, three universities established the fourth industrial revolution for SA (4IRSA). The University of Fort Hare joined Wits University and the University of Johannesburg to collaborate in global knowledge production and technology and information sharing on artificial intelligence and robotics, which is probably the most important development in the global political economy since the advent of Fordism. The fourth industrial revolution has already started changing patterns of industrialisation, production, distribution and consumption that has underpinned vast expanses of the global economic...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.