( Publishe by the UNIDO Department of Digitalization, technology and innovationn - DTI)

THE NEW DIGITAL AGE

Today, we are at the early stages of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which brings physical and biological systems into the digital realm. From artificial intelligence to mobile supercomputing, we are at the start of a new digital age that is transforming every part of our lives. Quality Infrastructure (QI) is no exception. QI is the combination of initiatives, institutions, organizations, activities and people that help ensure products and services meet the requirements of customers. Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) are at the heart of this important work, as the link between regulators, industry and markets.

But the 4IR – and this new digital age – poses a series of challenges for CABs. First, how to operate in a world where products are increasingly digital – either in part or fully. And second, how to embrace digital technology in their own work, such as drones for inspection, machine learning, smart sensors, ICTbased remote auditing, and much more. And finally, how to meet the everincreasing demand from global consumers for quality and safety. This is where UNIDO is playing an important role, advancing the future of Conformity Assessment by helping CABs deliver this vital mission in this new digital age..