EP Publishes Industry 4.0 study

The study sets out the current industrial policy debate and its evolution. It looks into the details of Industry 4.0, followed by an exploration three key dimensions of change relevant to Industry 4.0: technological, social and the business paradigm. Finally, the policy implications are outlined and recommendations are made.

Industry 4.0 describes the organisation of production processes based on technology and devices autonomously communicating with each other along the value chain: a model of the ‘smart’ factory of the future where computer-driven systems monitor physical processes, create a virtual copy of the physical world and make decentralised decisions based on self-organisation mechanisms. The concept takes account of the increased digitalisation of manufacturing industries where physical objects are seamlessly integrated into the information network, allowing for decentralised production and real-time adaptation in the future.

Industry 4.0 was initially developed by the German government to create a coherent policy framework to maintain Germany’s industrial competitiveness. Related terms used internationally include Internet of Things, Internet of Services, Industrial Internet, Advanced Manufacturing and Smart Factory.

To read the full study, please click here.