Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR)

Stages of the Industrial Revolution

• The Industrial Revolution refers to a series of major transformations in manufacturing, technology, economy, and society. 
• Historians traditionally divide it into distinct stages (or “revolutions”), with the modern understanding commonly recognizing four stages.

First Industrial Revolution (Industry 1.0)

• Time period: ~1760–1840 (starting in Britain, later spreading to Europe and North America)  
• Key driver: Mechanization powered by water and especially steam  
• Major developments: Steam engine (improved by James Watt), Mechanized textile production (spinning jenny, water frame, spinning mule, power loom), Iron production improvements, Rise of factories and shift from handcraft to machine-based production and Early railroads and steamships
• Impact: Transition from agrarian/handicraft economies to machine-based manufacturing; urbanization; significant boost in productivity.

Second Industrial Revolution (Industry 2.0)

• Time period: ~1870–1914 (late 19th to early 20th century)  
• Key driver: Electricity, steel, and internal combustion engine  
• Major developments: Widespread use of electricity for lighting and powering machines, Assembly line and mass production (pioneered by Henry Ford), Steel production, Chemical industry advances.
• Impact: Mass production; rise of large corporations; faster transportation and communication; higher living standards in industrialized nations; globalization of trade.

Third Industrial Revolution (Industry 3.0)

• Time period: ~1969–late 20th/early 21st century (often dated from the 1970s onward)  
• Key driver: Electronics, computers, and information technology (also called the Digital Revolution)  
• Major developments: Semiconductors, microprocessors, and personal computers, Automation in factories (programmable logic controllers, industrial robots), Internet and global connectivity, Software and IT systems in manufacturing and supply chains
• Impact: Shift to automated and computerized production; rise of service and knowledge economies; globalization accelerated by digital communication.

About World Economic Forum (WEF)

• The World Economic Forum is an international, non-governmental organisation for public–private cooperation to address global challenges.
• Establishment: Founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Key Objectives: 
  • Improve the state of the world through dialogue and collaboration.
  • Shape global, regional, and industry agendas.
  • Promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
• Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Role:
  • Leads the C4IR Network for responsible tech governance.
  • Focus on AI ethics, data governance, digital trust.
• Annual Meeting: Held every January in Davos, Switzerland.
  • It is a platform for discussing global economic outlook, conflicts, climate action, and technology.