Track: Technology Management

Abstract

Society and operations managers are confronted with the hype of the FIR (fourth industrial revolution) in many ways. The magnitude of the next industrial revolution is a huge reality but it also needs to be seen for what it really is in terms of its progress, sub-revolutions, social dangers and unique cyber-physical systems (algorithms). The smart telematics, machine-to-machine (M2M) technology and connected devices through computer-based systems are not all new or disruptive. The notion that disruption is by default an inherent FIR value may be questioned especially when personal transformation is demanded or thriving in a time of endless innovation. An agile business in the digital age is not the only option for innovation improvement or for commendable transformation journeys. The FIR identity therefore needs to be clarified by means of an accepted model. An qualitative exploratory research approach was used to look deeper into the FIR movement and to address the research problem by providing perspectives about the hype, identifying Triple-Helix (TH) as a significant sub-revolution of the FIR and to make suggestions for further research to clarify its identity.