ABSTRACT
The fourth Industrial Revolution with all its elements of new technologies and futuristic innovations is bringing dramatic changes to human life. These include changes to business models across all sectors, the increasing pace of change in jobs (creation, destruction, new forms) with the realignment of the workforce in the sectors, and so on, while expected new knowledge, skills, and competencies from individuals are increasing. Consequently, these changes demand a response from educational institutions. Thus, the question arises: Are educational institutions equipped and prepared to meet the needs and lead the change toward the future? From this question, this chapter discusses the changing role of academics from the perspective of educational transformation in the era and beyond. The chapter begins with an introduction to the Education 4.0 concept and discusses the evolution from the traditional to the emerging concept. It considers the key skills and competencies of the new era including soft skills, and the challenges and solutions that the digital transformation in education has brought to higher education institutions (HEIs). Finally, future-ready education ecosystems together with their active participants are discussed.
