I have long emphasized that modern challenges go beyond STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). A more pressing problem is the dearth of well-equipped teachers who can impart critical skills such as go-to-market and entrepreneurial skills.
Recent Samsung research validates my worries. 96% of teachers believe artificial intelligence will define future education; an astounding 97% confess they lack the tools to include this technology in their STEM curriculum.
This finding emphasizes a critical gap in contemporary education: the rapid changes in technology outsmarting the means and expertise of educators.
It has indeed impacted the skill development of students, as today, Gen Z is struggling to find jobs, and they are blaming colleges for not training them with practical knowledge and skills to survive the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or 4IR.
A survey reports that most graduates entering the professional world were unprepared for their current roles. According to the report, only 24% of recent graduates felt they possessed all the necessary skills for their current role, while 77% reported learning more in six months on the job than throughout their entire undergraduate education.
To understand the present situation of education, we must examine the history and influence of the last three industrial revolutions on curricula and skill development.
The critical link between Industrial Revolutions and School and College Curriculums
Historically, industrial revolutions have been accelerators of significant social changes, altering the very fabric of human life, economies, and civilizations.
Every revolution brought innovative technology that changed sectors and, hence, required changes in the educational industry to equip the workforce for new roles and responsibilities.
As we are braving the avalanche of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the combination of artificial intelligence, robots, biotechnology, and other advanced technologies is redefining the skills needed in the modern job.
The World Economic Forum report states that robots and autonomous systems will transform 58% of employers’ businesses, and energy generation and storage technologies will transform 41%.
The report further reveals that it is artificial intelligence (AI) and information processing technologies that are expected to have the maximum impact.
Technology trends driving business transformation, 2025-2030
This development has spurred discussions about the focus on STEM education since some detractors contend that it dominates the humanities and arts.
However, history shows that educational systems have constantly changed to fit the demands of technical development. A strong background in STEM is essential if one wants to flourish in this new age.
Link Between Education and Industrial Revolutions
Significant technical changes have always shaped curricular growth. The skills needed changed with the development of sectors, which led educational institutions to change their curricula.
First Industrial Revolution: Late 18th–Early 19th Century
One of the most significant eras in history witnessed the transition from agriculture to mechanized industries. The shift resulted in the creation of official education systems emphasizing basic sciences and mathematics to assist manufacturing operations.
Second Industrial Revolution: Late 19th–early 20th century
Mass production, the development of electricity, and engineering advances broadened technical education and vocational training, therefore arming students with useful skills for growing sectors.
Third Industrial Revolution: Mid-20th – Early 21st Century
The digital revolution brought computers, software, and automation, which led to mainstream education including computer science, information technology, and electronics.
Education Throughout the First Three Industrial Revolutions
Every industrial revolution resulted in different modifications for education:
1. First Industrial Revolution: Mechanization called for a workforce with minimum numeracy and literacy. Public education systems meant to provide people with basic skills for factory employment first emerged during this time.
2. The Second Industrial Revolution: The era of the telegraph, railroads, and electricity called for a more specific understanding; hence, there was an emphasis on applied sciences and engineering subjects. As a result, technical colleges and vocational institutes sprang up.
3. The Third Industrial Revolution: It was the explosion of digital technology, which required a change to information literacy. Consequently, the curricula started incorporating knowledge of automated systems, data analysis, and computer programming.
4. Rise STEM and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Rapid developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and biotechnology defined the fourth industrial revolution. These technologies are not only revolutionizing sectors but also generating whole new ones
Education for the 4th Industrial Revolution | Dr. John Baruch | TEDxBradford
5. Automation and artificial intelligence: Professionals who can design, control, and improve AI systems—which can do challenging tasks—are in more demand than ever.
Expertise in algorithmic methods, data science, and machine learning has become absolutely vital.
6. Biotechnology: Vast knowledge of biological sciences, chemistry, and ethical issues is essential for innovations in medical research and genetic engineering.
7. Disciplined Applications: Many times, modern issues call for answers from many disciplines. For example, creating sustainable energy solutions calls for an understanding of economics, physics, engineering, and environmental science.
Preparing today’s children for this complex terrain calls for a thorough STEM education that develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and flexibility.
Fastest-growing jobs, 2025-2030
Fastest-declining jobs, 2025-2030
Dealing with the Critics of STEM-Based Education
As we are dealing with the 4IR, the need for strong STEM education has never been more urgent.
While STEM is obviously crucial, it’s equally crucial to address concerns about the possible marginalization of the humanities and arts.
Essential skills in STEM are critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning—skills developed through the humanities—that are holistically valuable. For example, developing artificial intelligence technologies involves not only technical expertise but also knowledge of ethical ramifications and human-centered design.
Interdisciplinary education combining STEM with humanities and arts might generate more original and ecologically sensitive responses.
This integration is best shown by educational methods that support project-based learning—where students handle real-world challenges using a multidisciplinary approach, an educational solution we embraced five years ago with our Innovator Program.
Final Words
Human evolutionary history demonstrates the close relationship between industrial revolutions and education. A strong and combined STEM education system is absolutely critical as we negotiate the complexity of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Still, this does not mean eliminating humanities and arts; rather, it resulted in STEAM—science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics—acknowledging the vital role of critical thinking and creativity in invention.
A combined, multidisciplinary approach will provide students with the technical knowledge and critical viewpoint required to lead and grow responsibly in this new age.
Investing in resources, education, and courses reflecting the needs of today’s technological environment will equip the next generation to engage in it and help define the future.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
