UJ Institute for the Future of Knowledge

Research Groups

The IFK focuses on seven themes, each championed by a research group: Blockchain and the Cryptoverse (BC), Data Science across Disciplines (DSAD), Decentralised Artificial Intelligence and Control Systems (DAICS), the Future of Diplomacy (FoD), the Future of Health (FoH), Green Futures (GF) and Work of the Future (WoF).

Work of the Future

Professor Arthur Mutambara

With the advent of the AI-driven Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the ‘Future of Work’ has been a popular research and public discourse area. The inherent assumption is that jobs are in trouble from machines and technology. The ‘Work of the Future’ approach has nuanced differences from the traditional ‘Future of Work’ narratives. In fact, it challenges the latter. The new disposition is that ‘technology is neither the problem nor the solution.’ High industrial productivity and strong labour markets can coexist. In the 4IR, more and better jobs can be built. To make this happen, what robust systems and institutions that can leverage technological advancement and innovation should be put in place? How can workers be supported through long cycles of technological disruption? These questions constitute part of the mandate of the Research Group.

Furthermore, what are the institutional innovations that complement technological change? What are the skills and re-skilling programs that emphasise work-based and hybrid training and learning? How do we empower workers to become and remain productive in an endlessly disruptive workplace? How can we ensure that the 4IR means more jobs and not less?

Other research areas under this Group include the employability of graduates, Higher Education and 4IR, and acquisition of digital skills, capabilities and competencies. The Metaverse and its new jobs are also investigated.

The Work of the Future Research Group contributes to the realisation of SDG 8: “Decent work and economic growth”.

Upcoming Events

Our People

Brighton Nyagadza

Research Associate

Dr. Brighton Nyagadza (CIM, Ph.D) is currently heading the department of marketing at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Zimbabwe, an Associate of The Chartered Institute of Marketing, and a Power Member of Digital Marketing Institute, Ireland. He is an editorial board member of the Journal of Digital Media & Policy (UK), The Retail & Marketing Review (SA), and member of the Mashonaland East Province Zimbabwe National Development Strategy Committee (2021-2025) – ICT & Human Capital Development cohort. His work appears in international journals such as Sustainable Technology & Entrepreneurship (Elsevier), European Journal of Innovation Management (Emerald), Journal of Digital Media & Policy (Intellect), Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies (Emerald), Tourism Critiques: Practice & Theory (Emerald), among others.

Brighton Nyagadza

Research Associate

Arthur Mutambara

Director and Full Professor

Professor Arthur Mutambara is the Director and Full Professor of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He is a world-renowned roboticist, academic, author, Pan-Africanist and technology strategist. Professor Mutambara is also the Director of IFK’s Decentralised Artificial Intelligence and Control Systems (DAICS) Research Group and drives the African Agency in Public Health (AAPH) initiative within the Future of Health (FoH) Research Group. He is the Former Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. Mutambara was one of the three Principals who created and led the Government of National Unity (GNU) from 2009 to 2013. The other two were Prime Minister Tsvangirai and President Mugabe. He is the author of a new trilogy (three books): In Search of the Elusive Zimbabwean Dream: An Autobiography of Thought Leadership. Mutambara has also published two Electrical Engineering books used extensively in the United States, Europe and Asia. He has worked as a Research Scientist at NASA, a Visiting Professor at MIT, and a Managing Consultant with McKinsey & Company, all in the United States. At UJ, Mutambara has taught Control Systems in both the Mechanical Engineering and Electrical & Electronic Engineering Departments, where he has received outstanding reviews from both students and peers. He has conducted Engineering seminars and public lectures across the continent and globally. Prof Mutambara is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), a Professional Engineer, a Fellow of the Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers (ZIE), a Fellow of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences (ZAS), a Senior Member of IEEE and a WEF Young Global Leader. Professor Mutambara holds a PhD in Robotics and Mechatronics (1995) and an MSc in Computer Engineering (1992), both from the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Electrical Engineering (1990) from the University of Zimbabwe.

Arthur Mutambara

Director and Full Professor

Brighton Nyagadza

Research Associate

Dr. Brighton Nyagadza (CIM, Ph.D) is currently heading the department of marketing at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Zimbabwe, an Associate of The Chartered Institute of Marketing, and a Power Member of Digital Marketing Institute, Ireland. He is an editorial board member of the Journal of Digital Media & Policy (UK), The Retail & Marketing Review (SA), and member of the Mashonaland East Province Zimbabwe National Development Strategy Committee (2021-2025) – ICT & Human Capital Development cohort. His work appears in international journals such as Sustainable Technology & Entrepreneurship (Elsevier), European Journal of Innovation Management (Emerald), Journal of Digital Media & Policy (Intellect), Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies (Emerald), Tourism Critiques: Practice & Theory (Emerald), among others.

Brighton Nyagadza

Research Associate

Publications