Decision-making skills in the fourth industrial revolution

Abstract

Courses and training in public decision-making have often disappeared from Public Administration curricula. This paper argues that this is unfortunate as skills therein are severely needed to steer developments towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Whereas some see this as a macro development that befalls countries, this paper argues otherwise. Decision-making by individual and corporate actors is judged to be central in the 4IR. This makes the steering thereof possible and desirable. Without being trained in the needed skills in decision-making our graduates will not be prepared to do so and will not become the responsible public officials able to direct 4IR developments.