Brazil’s Manufacturers urged to harness the power of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Wednesday 08 February 2017

Abu Dhabi - MENA Herald: As digital transformation reinvents the global economy, Brazil has an opportunity to leverage technology in manufacturing to create new jobs and radically transform the country’s industrial sector, according to the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS).

The claim comes as representatives from the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit gathered with Brazil’s top manufacturing and industry representatives in Sao Paulo, to sign an MoU with the Confederação Nacional da Industria (CNI). The MoU will look at ways in which the two parties can work together to explore how the fourth industrial revolution, or 4IR, can help transform Brazil’s industrial sector, especially in areas of manufacturing strength such as food and agriculture, automotive, petroleum and mining, steel, chemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. The partnership will also serve to foster opportunities provided by fast-developing global value chains between all of the partners and participants of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, which includes major global manufacturers, small businesses and entrepreneurs, and the world’s policymakers.

The meeting was held in the run-up to the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from March 27-30, 2017. Brazilian manufacturers and politicians are participating in the Summit to help further strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector, which is the third-largest in the Americas, accounting for almost 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product. The country, through both industry and government, is investing heavily in innovation and technology.

The session was opened by Jose Augusto Coelho Fernandes, Director, Policy and Strategy, Confederação Nacional da Industria (CNI). Speakers included Ana Cristina Rodrigues da Costa, Head of Department of Capital Goods, Mobility and Defence, Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES); José Menezes, Coordinator of Innovative Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services; Joao Carlos Ferraz, Professor at the Institute of Economics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and Badr Al-Olama, CEO of Strata and head of the GMIS Organising Committee, along with senior members of Brazil’s manufacturing and industrial sectors.

An interactive group discussion during the event brought to light some of the most pressing topics faced by the manufacturing and industry sector, including the effect technology will have on the sector over the next 10 to 20 years, how stakeholders can contribute to supporting businesses in embracing disruptive technologies, and how companies must change to cope with technological developments.

Jose Augusto Coelho Fernandes, Director, Policy and Strategy, Confederação Nacional da Industria (CNI), said: ““Technology is not only a thriving sector in Brazil, but a key component of the success of our economy. Companies must recognise the benefits of Industry 4.0 and embrace disruptive technologies; there are bigger risks in eschewing change than in adopting it, and industries in Brazil – as well as around the world – must recognise that if they are to flourish. This is a key message that we look forward to discussing at the upcoming Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit. Connecting industry and technology pioneers with those manufacturers who are wary of Industry 4.0 should encourage them to take the leap into the next industrial revolution.”

Incorporating new technologies into a strategy designed to develop Brazilian industry will be essential to boost the country’s competitiveness and increase its share in global value chains.

Badr Al-Olama, CEO of Strata and head of the GMIS Organising Committee, said: “As we enter the fourth industrial revolution, there is no room for manufacturers to be hesitant in adopting technological change. At the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, we hope to encourage those industry players who have been dragging their heels to make the leap into the next era of manufacturing. As society continues to be shaped by increased connectivity and more advanced technologies, manufacturers will find themselves in a situation of survival or demise.”

The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit is being held at the Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi from March 27-30, 2017. The Summit will bring together leaders from the manufacturing industry across business, government and civil society to help shape the future of manufacturing, focusing on the transformational role of technology and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

About GMIS
As the world’s first cross-industry forum, GMIS is a global gathering for manufacturing minds. It is a voice and a venue for global manufacturing transformation. More than 1,200 delegates will attend, including world leaders, industry CEOs, policy-makers, specialist researchers and academics. GMIS will deliver (i) a voice for transformational ideas, (ii) a venue for the generation of new networks and cross-industry partnerships, (iii) a showcase for pilot projects arising from cross-industry research, and (iv) a post-event report with recommendations for action to be submitted to global stakeholders. It is planned that GMIS will be held in leading global cities every other year, with the inaugural GMIS in Abu Dhabi in March 2017. See www.gmisummit.com.

Global Agenda on the Future of Manufacturing
The conference will focus on the role of manufacturing in reconstructing the global economy and restoring global prosperity. Leaders from the public and private sectors, along with civil society representatives, will gather together to discuss global challenges facing the manufacturing sector. The discussions will focus around six themes: technology and innovation; global value chains; skills, employment and education; sustainability and environment; infrastructure; standards and stakeholder alignment. The participants will form working groups to identify concrete action plans and recommendations that outline potential solutions to global issues, as well as showcase best practices and case studies from across the world.

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