The Fourth Industrial Revolution is here — what makes it different?

We often think of innovation or progress through a lens of today, talking extensively about emerging technologies.

The interesting fact is that the world has always seen significant shifts occurring. Let’s rewind back to the late 1700s (which historically speaking is not very long ago…).

Here is a brief look at the four industrial revolutions that have shaped our world:

1️⃣(1784): Industrialization, steam power, iron/steel

2️⃣ (1870): Mechanization, urbanization, mass production, electrical energy

3️⃣ (1969): Digitalization, globalization, climate change

4️⃣ (today): Convergence of physical, biological and digital worlds

Each revolution has been powered by innovation,and technology.

What’s different about the current revolution?

A few things:

👉 Velocity: The world is more connected and interdependent, accelerating change faster than before.

👉 Ubiquity: Emerging tech impacts practically every industry, and convergence of these will radically transform how we live and perhaps what it means to be human.

👉 Geopolitics and Economics: Unprecedented change will influence the very systems by which we operate in politics, trade and economics.

How do you feel this industrial revolution will impact/change you?