Shaping the Future of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Shaping the Future of the Fourth Industrial Revolutionby Klaus Schwab and Nicholas Davis, read by Nicholas Guy Smith.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is changing everything - from the way we relate to each other, to the work we do, the way our economies work, and what it means to be human. We cannot let the brave new world that technology is currently creating simply emerge. All of us need to help shape the future we want to live in. But what do we need to know and do to achieve this?

In Shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Klaus Schwab explores how people from all backgrounds and sectors can influence the way that technology transforms our world. Drawing on contributions by more than 200 of the world's leading technology, economic and sociological experts to present a practical guide for citizens, business leaders, social influencers and policy-makers this book outlines the most important dynamics of the technology revolution, highlights important stakeholders that are often overlooked in our discussion of the latest scientific breakthroughs, and explores 12 different technology areas central to the future of humanity.

Emerging technologies are not predetermined forces out of our control, nor are they simple tools with known impacts and consequences. The exciting capabilities provided by artificial intelligence, distributed ledger systems and cryptocurrencies, advanced materials and biotechnologies are already transforming society. The actions we take today - and those we don't - will quickly become embedded in ever-more powerful technologies that surround us and will, very soon, become an integral part of us.

By connecting the dots across a range of often-misunderstood technologies, and by exploring the practical steps that individuals, businesses and governments can take, Shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution helps equip readers to shape a truly desirable future at a time of great uncertainty and change.

Critics Review

  • The world has fast entered a data and technology-driven era where new opportunities but also challenges are emerging. In this book, Klaus Schwab and the World Economic Forum contribute significantly to one of the most important issues of our time – how to move forward in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

    Executive Chairman, Alibaba Group Holding, People's Republic of China
  • It’s no secret that technologies are reshaping the world’s economies and societies. To manage the risks and spread the benefits, we have to act now, and in the interest of stakeholders everywhere

    Co-Founder, MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
  • Shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution sheds light on what’s at stake for society and how leaders can play a part in shaping the course of history. Klaus makes a powerful call in the book: “We have to shake things up before technological inertia determines our future for us.” Act now.

    Chairman, National Institute of Financial Research, People's Republic of China
  • The technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are extraordinary. Leadership has to be equally extraordinary to manage the complexities of systemic change

    Technical Advisor, Alphabet, USA
  • This book is essential for gaining a perspective on some of the critical challenges that rapid technological change poses to us all: ensuring the wellbeing of societies, understanding the evolving role of governments, and rethinking how the global economy will work in the 21st century

    Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva
  • The World Economic Forum shows us that improving the state of the world will mean seriously thinking about, and empowering, all of those whose lives are transformed by technologies

    President, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Geneva

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.