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.

A New York Times–bestselling account of the next great economic era, with a look into the individuals pioneering its implementation around the world. One of the most influential social thinkers of our time reveals how Internet technology and renewable energy are merging to create the new jobs of the twenty-first century and change the world. In The Third Industrial Revolution, Jeremy Rifkin takes us on a journey into a new economic era where hundred of millions of people produce their own green energy in their homes, businesses, and factories and share it with each other on an “energy Internet.” Rifkin’s Third Industrial Revolution vision has been taken up by the European Union and China and endorsed by the United Nations. In this book, the author goes behind the scenes to meet the heads of state, global CEOs, social entrepreneurs, and NGO leaders who are pioneering the new economic paradigm. Praise for The Third Industrial Revolution “Jeremy Rifkin argues that green energy and the internet will revolutionize society and the environment . . . With the European Union already on board, this is a big idea with backbone.” —Nature “Impeccably argued . . . a compelling and cogent argument to overhaul our society and economy in favor of a distributed and collaborative model.” —Publishers Weekly

As Industry 4.0 brings on a new bout of transformation and fundamental changes in various industries, the traditional manufacturing and production methods are falling to the wayside. Industrial processes must embrace modern technology and the most recent trends to keep up with the times. With “smart factories”; the automation of information and data; and the inclusion of IoT, AI technologies, robotics, and cloud computing comes new challenges to tackle. These changes are creating new threats in security, reliability, the regulations around legislation and standardization of technologies, malfunctioning devices or operational disruptions, and more. These effects span a variety of industries and need to be discussed. Research Anthology on Cross-Industry Challenges of Industry 4.0 explores the challenges that have risen as multidisciplinary industries adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With a shifting change in technology, operations, management, and business models, the impacts of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation will be long-lasting and will forever change the face of manufacturing and production. This book highlights a cross-industry view of these challenges, the impacts they have, potential solutions, and the technological advances that have brought about these new issues. It is ideal for mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, manufacturers, supply chain managers, logistics specialists, investors, managers, policymakers, production scientists, researchers, academicians, and students looking for cross-industry research on the challenges associated with Industry 4.0.

The artificial intelligence-based framework, algorithms, and applications presented in this book take the perspective of Society 5.0 – a social order supported by innovation in data, information, and knowledge. It showcases current case studies of Society 5.0 in diverse areas such as healthcare, smart cities, and infrastructure. Key Features: Elaborates on the use of big data, cyber-physical systems, robotics, augmented-virtual reality, and cybersecurity as pillars for Society 5.0. Showcases the use of artificial intelligence, architecture, frameworks, and distributed and federated learning structures in Society 5.0. Discusses speech recognition, image classification, robotic process automation, natural language generation, and decision support automation. Elucidates the application of machine learning, deep learning, fuzzy-based systems, and natural language processing. Includes case studies on the application of Society 5.0 aspects in educational, medical, infrastructure, and smart cities. The book is intendended especially for graduate and postgraduate students, and academic researchers in the fields of computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, and information technology.

This book investigates how smart technologies can play a crucial role in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on FinTech as well as artificial intelligence, the author demonstrates how one of the most effective strategies for accelerating progress toward global development goals is to make use of emerging technologies to broaden and deepen the scope of action. The first part of the book offers a historical perspective on sustainable development, financial technology and the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while the second part looks in-depth at new technologies that can contribute to the realization of the SDGs. The power of AI to reduce poverty and increase food security, the implications of digital innovations for education, the impact of AI on clean transport, the role of FinTech in mitigating climate change, and ways in which AI can aid financial inclusion are all discussed.

Responsible and sustainable business practices are becoming increasingly important in the information age, as companies are realizing the need to address ethical and social issues associated with their operations. In today’s interconnected world, businesses have access to vast amounts of data that can be used to improve their bottom line but can also pose significant risks to individuals and society. At the same time, responsible business practices have the capacity to positively impact international development goals such as poverty alleviation, economic growth, responsible consumption, and health and social welfare. This book presents a transdisciplinary framework for addressing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, offering fresh perspectives from the Global South. It provides an overview of the key challenges and opportunities associated with responsible business practices in the information age, including the need to balance privacy and security concerns with data analytics and innovation. It also highlights some of the best practices and initiatives, such as stakeholder engagement, transparency, and accountability. The book establishes the role of green leadership in promoting responsible production, discusses the importance of measuring and reporting on sustainable innovation, including the use of sustainability metrics and reporting frameworks. Further, it debates the importance of incorporating ethics and sustainability in strategic management practices. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the integration of these values in organizational decision‐making. By delving into the pressing matters that impact our world today, the book generates a sense of urgency and awareness among its audience. Its inclusive approach to exploring various perspectives and opinions invites readers to participate in a constructive dialogue, broadening their understanding and deepening their empathy for different viewpoints.

Traditionally, economists have considered the accumulation of conventional inputs such as labour and capital to be the primary force behind economic growth. In the late-1990s however, many economists place technological progress at the centre of the growth process. This shift is due to theoretical developments that allow researchers to link microeconomic outcomes.

Disruptions are being caused in the workplace due to the development of advanced software technology and the speed at which these technological advancements are being produced. These disruptions could take diverse forms and affect various aspects of work and the lives of entities in the workplaces and families of the individual employees. Work and family are caught in the crossfire between technological disruptions and human adaptation. Hence, there is a need to assess the overall effect that the Fourth Industrial Revolution would have on work, employee work-family satisfaction, and employee well-being. Future of Work, Work-Family Satisfaction, and Employee Well-Being in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a critical reference source that discusses practical solutions and strategies to manage challenges and address fears regarding the effect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the future of employment and the workforce. Featuring research on topics such as corporate governance, job satisfaction, and mental health, this book is ideally designed for human resource professionals, business managers, industry professionals, government officials, policymakers, corporate strategists, consultants, work-life balance experts, human resources software developers, business policy experts, academicians, researchers, and students.

This book combines two main topics applied to cities and societies: innovation and sustainability. The book begins by showing a brief overview of the book's main topics; then, the book addresses four main areas which allow our communities to be more attractive, engaging and fun; analytical, descriptive and predictive; healthy, secure and sustainable; and innovative, connected and monitored. This book represents a union of inputs from researchers and practitioners where each chapter has distinct, valuable and practical contributions that turn it unique. The content ranges from theoretical, like studies or analyses to practical, like industrial solutions or engaging systems. Both branches focus on turning our society more attractive, intelligent, inclusive, sustainable, and ready for the future.