COVID-19 accelerated the deployment of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies – reshaping how we work, shop, learn, socialize, even visit the doctor in ways likely to stick around long after the virus is under control. Even when we are able to safely return to "normal" life, continued acceleration of these innovations will be critical to recovery and making progress on our global goals. However, the pandemic also underscored the need for public and private sector governance to address emerging challenges and ensure tech works for everyone. As a recent World Economic Forum report explained, the pandemic "exposed even more clearly the gaps that still exist in digital access." Responsible technology governance is needed to protect against discriminatory algorithms, unethical use of data and job displacement.

There used to be a time in the not-too-distant past when we feared the oncoming hordes of robots in the workplace. That time is no longer. People now have more trust in robots than their managers, according to the second annual AI at Work study conducted by Oracle and research firm Future Workplace. The study of 8,370 employees, managers and HR leaders across 10 countries, found that AI has changed the relationship between people and technology at work and is reshaping the role HR teams and managers need to play in attracting, retaining and developing talent. The latest advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence are rapidly reaching mainstream, resulting in a massive shift in the way people across the world interact with technology and their teams, says Emily He, senior vice president, human capital management for Oracle's cloud business group.