IN DIS TREE – 4 WHAT?

The fourth industrial revolution has become a popular topic in nearly every industry in South Africa. But what exactly does everyone mean by this revolution, and what is its potential impact on South African companies? This paper presents thoughts on the history and purpose of the fourth industrial revolution, and compares this with the context, trends, and needs of manufacturing organisations in South Africa. The paper then presents thoughts on how best to integrate the benefits that can be achieved with an internationally oriented view of industrial development, while being sensitive to the implications in a local context.