Abstract

This article explores the question of whether and to what extent the partly foreseeable change to an "Industry 4.0" is likely to bring with it potentials and opportunities with regard to a sustainable economy and can also be specifically shaped or influenced in this sense. So far, the Industry 4.0 discourse has been characterised by a supply-oriented view from a company and technology perspective as well as a "technology push". Demand-oriented aspects of users and customers remain largely in the background. Industry 4.0 follows a path-bound accelerated evolution within the framework of existing corporate, production and consumption logics. The actual potential for sustainable economic activity is thus not exploited. To reduce this problem, Industry 4.0 should not only focus on production and manufacturing, but should also be geared towards new business models, value creation processes and related resource conservation potentials and qualification requirements. Potential rebound effects should also be taken into account.

Authors

Fields of research

Resources, economies and resilience, Technology Assessment and Participation