The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a new report, “Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India – An Impact Journey,” showcasing India’s progress in leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies to drive economic growth, sustainability, and social impact.
Launched in 2018 as part of a global network, C4IR India has become a key force in AI, digital health, agritech, space economy, and advanced energy solutions.
So far, its initiatives have impacted 1.25 million citizens. Over the next five years, it aims to expand its reach to 10 million people, driving large-scale digital transformation across critical sectors.
Driving AI-Led Transformation Across Key Sectors
In healthcare, the FIRST Cancer Care program in Meghalaya has screened 1 million individuals using AI-driven diagnostics for early cancer detection. Additionally, the Medicine from the Sky initiative has transported over 12,000 medical products to remote areas in Arunachal Pradesh, improving emergency response and reducing logistical delays.
Urban Mobility and Space Tech Innovations
The report highlights India’s advancements in urban mobility and space technology, particularly through the AVIATE India initiative, which is developing a strategic roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The project aims to integrate autonomous aerial transportation systems into India’s urban landscape, reducing congestion and improving connectivity.
On the space front, the Space Economy India initiative is driving collaboration between public and private sector entities to position India as a leader in global space exploration and satellite technology. The country aims to capture 8% of the global space market by 2033, with an estimated $44 billion valuation.
Sustainability and Energy Transition
C4IR India is actively driving clean energy adoption through strategic collaborations. The Advanced Energy Solutions Dialogue Series is bringing together industry and government to scale up green hydrogen, energy storage, and carbon capture technologies.
India has set a target to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen and establish 40 GW of electrolyzer capacity by 2030.
Additionally, under the Climate-Smart Urban Transformation initiative, C4IR India is partnering with smart cities to integrate AI-powered infrastructure planning. These efforts aim to reduce emissions and enhance urban resilience for a sustainable future.
The Road Ahead: Scaling Innovation for Global Impact
With a goal to impact 10 million citizens by 2030, C4IR India is expanding its initiatives across AI, healthcare, aviation, energy, and space technology. The 4IR report underscores the importance of multistakeholder collaboration—bringing together government, industry, startups, and academia to drive inclusive and responsible technology adoption.
“We believe India’s model serves as a global blueprint for harnessing technology to drive economic and social progress,” the report states.
