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The Fourth Industrial Revolution summary
A new transformation in technology and industry
15 mins
Brief summary
The Fourth Industrial Revolution by Klaus Schwab explores the new age of technology evolution and its impact on society, encouraging policies for inclusive growth.
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The Fourth Industrial Revolution
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Three industrial revolutions have already transformed our world, and humanity is now experiencing a fourth.
Some 10,000 years ago, a massive shift in the history of humanity took place: humans began to farm. This move away from foraging and hunting was profound. Indeed, it marked a revolution in human history – the agrarian revolution.
This was but the first in a series of revolutions, each of which would transform life on Earth. Over the course of human history, there have been three industrial revolutions. The first occurred when we began using mechanical power rather than sheer human muscle. It happened between 1760 and 1840, spurred in particular by the development of steam power and construction of railroads.
The second industrial revolution dawned with the rise of mass production in the late nineteenth century and continued into the first half of the twentieth. The hallmarks of this industrial shift were the assembly line and electrified power.
And, finally, the third industrial revolution is often referred to as either the computer revolution or the digital revolution. Its contributions were the advent of computers, as well as semiconductors and the internet, which was developed in the latter half of the twentieth century.
But that wasn’t the last industrial revolution to date. In fact, we’re currently experiencing a fourth industrial revolution, which began early in the twenty-first century. This revolution brought about a much more mobile internet, as well as better, cheaper and smaller sensors that are enabling the development of new technologies. It has also seen the rise of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
However, this new industrial revolution isn’t only about smart machines. It encompasses a number of different fields as well, from material science to nanotechnology, energy to biology. What really separates this fourth industrial revolution from those that preceded it is that it merges these fields and connects them across digital, physical and biological platforms.
Naturally, there are a number of other characteristics that distinguish the fourth industrial revolution. In the next blink, we’ll explore this shift in greater detail, teasing out how it’s truly distinct from those that came before it.
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What is The Fourth Industrial Revolution about?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (2016) tells the story of a new transformation in technology and industry. These blinks explain the major industrial revolutions of the past and go on to tell how a current industrial revolution is spawning new technologies that fuse previously separate fields – with incredible results.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution Review
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (2016) by Klaus Schwab explores the profound impact of emerging technologies on society, the economy, and individuals. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Insights from a leading expert: Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, offers a unique perspective backed by his expertise and experience.
- An actionable roadmap: The book provides a clear roadmap for navigating the digital revolution and harnessing its potential for individual and societal progress.
- An exploration of ethical implications: Schwab delves into the ethical challenges posed by new technologies, stimulating critical thinking and fostering responsible innovation.
Who should read The Fourth Industrial Revolution?
- Students of political science, technology and economics
- Leaders and educators
- Workers worried about their job security
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The Fourth Industrial Revolution FAQs
What is the main message of The Fourth Industrial Revolution?
The main message of The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the potential of a new era of technology to transform our lives.
How long does it take to read The Fourth Industrial Revolution?
The reading time for The Fourth Industrial Revolution varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Fourth Industrial Revolution a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is worth reading because it explores the impact of technology on society and provides insights on how to navigate this rapidly changing landscape.
Who is the author of The Fourth Industrial Revolution?
The author of The Fourth Industrial Revolution is Klaus Schwab.
What to read after The Fourth Industrial Revolution?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Fourth Industrial Revolution, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- COVID-19: The Great Reset by Klaus Schwab and Thierry Malleret
- WTF? by Tim O’Reilly
- Either/Or by Soren Kierkegaard
- 12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
- Thinking in Systems by Donella H. Meadows
- The AI Economy by Roger Bootle
- A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume
- The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
- Human/Machine by Daniel Newman and Olivier Blanchard