India is emerging as a global leader in technological evolution, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). Highlighted in a recent report, the country’s partnership with WEF over the last 40 years has fostered key innovations through initiatives like the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India.
India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies and a global hub for startups and digital innovation, the World Economic Forum (WEF) stated on January 20, 2025. On the opening day of the WEF Annual Meeting 2025, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India released its 6-year impact journey report. WEF noted its partnership with India spans over 40 years.
Over these decades, this collaboration has grown into a meaningful relationship involving the national government, state governments, industry leaders, civil society, and experts, leading to impactful initiatives advancing shared goals. India’s approach to using technology as a bridge for development resonates with the Forum’s vision of a human-centric, sustainable future, the report’s foreword highlighted.
Launched in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, C4IR India embodies the country’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies responsibly for societal benefit. According to WEF, C4IR India has become a flagship innovation hub with measurable, technology-driven results.
The report showcases achievements like AI-powered agricultural programs increasing farmers’ incomes, healthcare solutions improving access to critical services, and sustainable urban frameworks enhancing city life. These milestones are credited to strong public-private-academic-civil partnerships and responsible governance.
“Over the past six years, C4IR India has emerged as a key hub for multistakeholder collaboration and has improved the lives of 1.25 million citizens through enhanced livelihoods and better access to healthcare,” said Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director, WEF. He noted its focus on AI, climate tech, and space tech for societal impact.
S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, emphasized their joint effort in “developing a multistakeholder community to leverage Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.” The AI for India 2030 initiative exemplifies this by connecting stakeholders to unlock AI’s potential.
Looking ahead, C4IR India aims to reach 10 million citizens through initiatives like AI for India 2030, the Space Economy program, and the AVIATE India project, which explores aerial mobility to ease urban congestion and enhance rural connectivity.
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