Abstract
Much has been studied regarding managing a 21st century knowledge economy in organizations in
many sectors including the education sector. However, not much has been said regarding dealing with
the demands that are brought by 21st century knowledge economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(4IR) at a comprehensive university within the emerging markets. To determine and manage the
demands posed by the 21st century knowledge economy in the 4IR, this study uses a comprehensive
university in the emerging economy as an exemplary case study. The 21st century knowledge economy
in the 4IR demands universities in the emerging economies to: adapt quickly with learning technologies;
find new ways of generating funds, constantly seek to improve their international rankings from various
bodies; and re-look at skilling the societies for 4IR. Based on a qualitative study, substantiated by
quantitative data, the results show that universities have a great role to play regarding equipping the
society with skills needed to survive in the 4IR.
M.Phil.