Industrial policies in the 21st century: the 4th generation of industrial revolutions

Abstract

Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is characterized by the integration of advanced digital technologies into manufacturing processes. The main pillars of Industry 4.0 include the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing and robotics. These technological advances aim to increase the efficiency, flexibility and productivity of factories, opening the way to new opportunities for businesses and economies. The impact of Industry 4.0 on industrial policy is significant, as it leads to a major transformation of industrial processes and economic models. Technological advancements such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing are changing the way businesses operate. This requires adapting industrial policies to encourage innovation, competitiveness and sustainability. In the context of Industry 4.0, industrial policy faces several major challenges such as the need to adapt to rapid technological advances, ensure data protection and respond to the challenges linked to the digital transition. However, these challenges also offer unique opportunities for industrial policy, notably in terms of promoting innovation, boosting business competitiveness and promoting sustainable economic growth. The key lies in the ability of governments and industry players to work closely together to seize these opportunities and successfully address the challenges.

Observation of the main experiments underway since the second decade of the third millennium allows us to note the multitude of objectives for each case. Feedback from international experiences reveals a concentration on digitalization, the Internet of Things, Data and renewable energies. The main objective of this work is to provide researchers and policy makers with a range of data that will be used to implement academic choices in economic studies or public policies regarding industrial development visions.

Keywords: Industry 4.0, industrial policy, Internet of Things, Data, Cloud

JEL Classification: B15, F68, G18, O31 

Paper type: Theoretical Research