The fourth industrial revolution
By: Klaus Schwab
Edition: First U.S. edition.
Publisher: Crown Business
Published: 2017
Language: eng
Number of pages: 184
ISBN-13: 9781524758868
Subjects: Social aspects; Technological innovations; Economic aspects; Technology and civilization
Other titles: 4th industrial revolution
Description: "World-renowned economist Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, explains that we have an opportunity to shape the fourth industrial revolution, which will fundamentally alter how we live and work. Schwab argues that this revolution is different in scale, scope and complexity from any that have come before. Characterized by a range of new technologies that are fusing the physical, digital and biological worlds, the developments are affecting all disciplines, economies, industries and governments, and even challenging ideas about what it means to be human. Artificial intelligence is already all around us, from supercomputers, drones and virtual assistants to 3D printing, DNA sequencing, smart thermostats, wearable sensors and microchips smaller than a grain of sand. But this is just the beginning: nanomaterials 200 times stronger than steel and a million times thinner than a strand of hair and the first transplant of a 3D printed liver are already in development. Imagine "smart factories" in which global systems of manufacturing are coordinated virtually, or implantable mobile phones made of biosynthetic materials. The fourth industrial revolution, says Schwab, is more significant, and its ramifications more profound, than in any prior period of human history. He outlines the key technologies driving this revolution and discusses the major impacts expected on government, business, civil society and individuals. Schwab also offers bold ideas on how to harness these changes and shape a better future--one in which technology empowers people rather than replaces them; progress serves society rather than disrupts it; and in which innovators respect moral and ethical boundaries rather than cross them. We all have the opportunity to contribute to developing new frameworks that advance progress."--Dust jacket.
Notes: "Originally published by World Economic Forum, Generva, Switzerland, in 2016."--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references.
Table of contents: title: 1. The fourth industrial revolution. 1.1 Historical context ; 1.2 Profound and systemic change; title: 2. Drivers. 2.1 Megatrends ; 2.1.1 Physical ; 2.1.2 Digital ; 2.1.3 Biological ; 2.2 Tipping points; title: 3. Impact. 3.1 Economy ; 3.1.1 Growth ; 3.1.2 Employment ; 3.1.3 The nature of work ; 3.2 Business ; 3.2.1 Consumer expectations ; 3.2.2 Data-enhanced products ; 3.2.3 Collaborative innovation ; 3.2.4 New operating models ; 3.3 National and global ; 3.3.1 Governments ; 3.3.2 Countries, regions and cities ; 3.3.3 International security ; 3.4 Society ; 3.4.1 Inequality and the middle class ; 3.4.2 Community ; 3.5 The individual ; 3.5.1 Identity, morality and ethics ; 3.5.2 Human connection ; 3.5.3 Managing public and private information; title: The way forward.