Technological advancements have continued to increase in the past years. Innovation and digital transformation of machines have brought upon the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0 (4IR), from simple machinery in need of human supervision to devices equipped with artificial intelligence; development has indeed come far. The onset of the pandemic has also proven how Industry 4.0 can drive our economies to operate normally without the need for movement of humans, which containment measures the pandemic has brought limits.

Smart technology has become ingrained in our way of life and it is continuously influencing businesses and the economy. We are now at an age where the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud computing, Edge computing, Cybersecurity, and ​​Digital twin, are allowing companies to not only survive but also grow and excel in the face of the epidemic. Overall, process automation and optimization not only contribute to more efficient production but also allow for the development of new methods.

The United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals are of top priority for the world's socially, inclusive, and ecologically sustainable growth. According to the UNECE, the fourth industrial revolution's innovation has the potential to create green, clean, equitable, and sustainable production systems. The benefits it can bring at the global level and countries ready to harness its opportunities are tremendous.

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and Fairs and More, Inc. (FMI) will co-organize the forum Technology for Progress: 4IR for a Future-Proof Business. This virtual forum aims to highlight how Industry 4.0 has been a catalyst for change and how it ushered progress in the middle of the COVD19 pandemic. Furthermore, we will also tackle the importance of adopting 4IR for businesses to remain relevant as it will continuously transform the landscape of businesses and industries in the future.