The Fourth Industrial Revolution is changing everything – from the way we relate to each other, to the way our economies work, to what it means to be human. We cannot let the brave new world that technology is creating simply emerge. We must shape the future we want to live in.

World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab's best-selling 2016 book, The Fourth Industrial Revolution, revealed the extent of change tearing through our world. We live at a momentous time in history, and we have to bear the responsibility to make sure our technologically-enriched future is one that is also safe, ethical, inclusive and sustainable.

We can't just wait to find out what happens. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, distributed ledger systems and cryptocurrencies, advanced materials and biotechnologies are permeating and starting to transform society. The actions we take today – and those we don't – will quickly become embedded in powerful technologies that surround us and will, very soon, become an integral part of us. How do we get ahead of this curve?

Shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution draws on contributions by more than 200 of the world's leading technological, economic and sociological experts to present a practical guide for citizens, business leaders, social influencers and policy-makers. It outlines the most important dynamics of today's technological revolution, highlights important stakeholders that are often overlooked in our discussion of the latest scientific breakthroughs, and explores 12 different technology areas key to the future of humanity.

By connecting the dots across the most important technologies changing the world today, and exploring the practical steps that individuals, businesses and governments can take, this book aim to help everyone interested in technology to actively shape an inclusive and sustainable future.