The Four Industrial Revolutions: Demystifying Technological Innovation

Decision-makers in industry, legislation, and society need to be equipped with the right knowledge about the 4th Industrial Revolution, the Internet of Things, and how technological innovation will shape the world of tomorrow. This book explains, what you need to know about Digitalization and the innovation momentum driving it. Technological progress has never been faster than it is today, and the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution frightens many stakeholders. Tobias Becker, a 25-year engineering world veteran at the forefront of innovation explains the fundamental mechanisms of innovation, their culmination in technological revolutions, and how these have always generated value for the human species.Becker lays out a unique concept of four Realms of Innovation, which are the base of all technological inventions. He demonstrates their context and critical contributions to the progress and the survival of humanity throughout history and today.Digitalization, the latest round of revolutionary technological progress, stands in a long line of advancement towards the optimization of human existence on our planet. Each Industrial Revolution left its footprints, both good and bad. Digitalization has the potential to mitigate some of the shortcomings of earlier industrial developments. However, it will take enormous efforts from all stakeholders to ensure that the balance tips fast enough towards the benefits.