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Deconstructing the fourth industrial revolution: defining the concept and research agenda

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The idea that we are in a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is premised on the observation that technological change is accelerating, that technologies are converging, and because of the velocity, scope and impact of these changes we have entered a new technological era. The term was first used in 2016 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) executive chairman, Prof. Klaus Schwab. According to Schwab, the first industrial revolution used steam power to mechanise production, the second used electric power to create mass production, and the third used electronics and information technology to automate production. The 4IR is building on the latter.

Source: Human Science Research Council SA

DOI: 10.14749/32381016

Author: Human Sciences Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Economic Development and Digital Transformation

Subfield: General Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

Funder: Human Sciences Research Council

OpenAlex ID: W7162204985

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