The fourth industrial revolution / Klaus Schwab. (Text)

Reprint. Originally published: 2016.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-184).

Introduction -- 1. The fourth industrial revolution. 1.1. Historical context -- 1.2. Profound and systemic change -- 2. Drivers. 2.1 Megatrends -- 2.1.1. Physical -- 2.1.2. Digital -- 2.1.3. Biological -- 2.2. Tipping points -- 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 -- The way forward -- Acknowledgements -- Appendix: deep shift.

Characterized by new technologies fusing the physical, digital and biological worlds, the Fourth Industrial Revolution will impact all disciplines, economies and industries - and it will do so at an unprecedented rate. World Economic Forum data predicts that by 2025 we will see: commercial use of nanomaterials 200 times stronger than steel and a million times thinner than human hair; the first transplant of a 3D-printed liver; 10% of all cars on US roads being driverless; and much more besides. In The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Schwab outlines the key technologies driving this revolution, discusses the major impacts on governments, businesses, civil society and individuals, and offers bold ideas for what can be done to shape a better future for all. --