Opportunities for Socially Responsible Industry 4.s

The digitalization of industries has become a big promise to increase productivity and growth. Digital agendas such as “Industry 4.0” were set up to turn the technological visions into opportunities for companies and economies. This article analyzes drivers and limitations of the dominating Industry 4.0 narrative based on the example of Germany. Its traditional focus on unlimited growth remains too narrow. It mostly neglects other catalysts for change such as sustainability, global risks of digital divide, and the future of employment. I conclude with showing alternative innovation paths through broadening the view toward a socially responsible industry—Industry 4.s.     «

The digitalization of industries has become a big promise to increase productivity and growth. Digital agendas such as “Industry 4.0” were set up to turn the technological visions into opportunities for companies and economies. This article analyzes drivers and limitations of the dominating Industry 4.0 narrative based on the example of Germany. Its traditional focus on unlimited growth remains too narrow. It mostly neglects other catalysts for change such as sustainability, global risks of digi...     »