The World Economic Forum has decided to establish five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including one in Andhra Pradesh. The move expands a global network created to support responsible use of emerging technologies through cooperation between governments, industry and experts. India already hosts two such centres, in Mumbai and Telangana. The new centres will also come up in France, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
Fourth Industrial Revolution Network
The Fourth Industrial Revolution Network was launched by the WEF in 2017. It connects national and thematic centres across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. The network aims to ensure that exponential technologies deliver public benefit while reducing risks. It focuses on practical policy frameworks, pilot projects and international cooperation.
Andhra Pradesh Centre
The Andhra Pradesh centre has been established in partnership with the state government. It will function as the Centre for Energy and Cyber Resilience. Its work will support innovation-led approaches to the energy transition and strengthen cyber resilience across sectors. It will also promote scalable solutions in green energy systems, cybersecurity strategies and workforce development.
Focus Areas and Global Role
The new centres will address key areas such as artificial intelligence innovation, energy transition, cyber resilience and frontier technologies. They are expected to respond to regional priorities while contributing to wider international dialogue. The WEF said the centres will help governments and industry develop practical responses to technology-related challenges.
India’s Strategic Significance
India’s inclusion reflects its growing role in digital governance, energy transition and technology policy. The presence of centres in Mumbai, Telangana and now Andhra Pradesh places India among the important hubs in the global Fourth Industrial Revolution Network. The network currently includes centres in several countries, including Azerbaijan, Colombia, Germany, Korea, Israel, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, the US, Ukraine and Vietnam.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026