BBC Radio 4 broadcast from Leigh Park on Sunday, with community leaders questioned on the technological changes that were highlighted in a recent report by Havant MP Alan Mak.
The BBC’s flagship Sunday politics programme, The World This Weekend, investigated the potential opportunities and pitfalls brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The 4IR is a term that describes new advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, mass-automation and hyper-connectivity.
Mr Mak’s report was published by the Free Enterprise Group and backed by the Institute of Economic Affairs think tank, and outlines 20 policy recommendations to government in order for Britain to the world in the 4IR.
The BBC report explored the rise in 3D printing, which gives power back to consumers. James Preen, who runs “Dream 3D”, a 3D printing business on Harts Farm Way, was asked about the benefits of 3D printing.
“At the moment something is designed in one country, manufactured in another, then shipped across the world and then maybe kept in stock somewhere, then shipped out to a customer,” he said. “It is just that is such a lengthy process. I think in the future, you could have say your washing machine break and instead of having to wait a few weeks, the manufacturer could send you the design, print the part out and for a fraction of the cost.”
The 4IR could see some low skilled jobs replaced by machines, especially in the manufacturing sector, but Doug Anderson, Chairman of the Leigh Park & District Working Mens Club said he was optimistic that leaving the EU would bring about a positive industrial change.
He said: “If we are going to get into a more free trade market with other countries then I believe there are opportunities within the whole of the UK to expand the industrial business.”
In his report, Mr Mak highlights the economic benefits and challenges brought about the 4IR and says it is down to the Government to ensure that the Fourth Industrial Revolution works for everyone, pointing out that in the last 15 years technology has reportedly accounted to the loss of 800,000 low skilled jobs but created 3.5million higher paid roles.
During an interview at the Working Mens Club, of which he is a member, Mr Mak said: “The Fourth Industrial Revolution has to be a revolution that works for everybody. One of the challenges of globalisation was that people felt they had no way to influence it. But as the Fourth Industrial Revolution is just starting, we are ahead of the curve and we do have an opportunity to shape how it works and make sure people are up-trained.”
Mr Mak’s full report can downloaded from his website at alanmak.org.uk, while the episode can be listened to on the Radio 4 website.
Picture: Alan Mak being interviewed for The World This Weekend by presenter Mark Mardell at the Leigh Park Working Mens Club