About This Course

The accelerated and widespread expansion of digital technologies across business and society has resulted in the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), also known as Industry 4.0 (I4.0). While the 4IR describes a technologically-driven paradigm change that affects all spheres of life, Industry 4.0 represents the economic point of view, focusing on industry, manufacturing and the fact that major technological advancements are revolutionizing industrial production. Industry 4.0 will affect all sectors and disciplines, bringing about a structural transformation in the global economy and leading to a new division of labour, which will have a huge impact on developing countries. Current production systems, and global value chains, will become more dynamic, flexible, efficient and sustainable, with high possibilities for customization and personalization. Industry 4.0 has the potential to contribute to increased resource efficiency and help to achieve environmental sustainability.

This course has been designed to provide a strong foundation on the basics of Industry 4.0 and the 4IR. The training consists of ten modules, and aims to demonstrate the implications for developing countries, particularly LDCs, outline related challenges and elaborate on how opportunities that Industry 4.0 provides can be leveraged. The training modules have been designed in such a way that governance, institutions, policymakers, SMEs and individuals can benefit from the content. The course can be taken by students that is willing to learn about new technologies.