The promise and challenges of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR)

Abstract

The fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us. Yet not many students understand its evolution or impacts. This teaching case looks at socio-technical evolution from 1IR (First Industrial Revolution) to 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution). The teaching case concludes by exemplifying 4IR’s promises and perils with a mini case on how 4IR that quietly helped the COVID-19 vaccine development can also pose cyberthreats and erode privacy.

Keywords

4IR bitcoins blockchain COVID-19 cybersecurity industrial revolution IoT (internet of things)technology history

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