The voices calling for responses to the new industrial revolution emerging as smart factories are growing louder. Perhaps because of this, I've noticed that events using the term "Fourth Industrial Revolution" as a modifier have increased noticeably these days. Of course, since it's the most important keyword recently, many cases are likely motivated by a desire to draw public attention. However, it appears that a consensus is gradually forming around the idea that transformation befitting the age of "intelligent informatization," which differs from previous industrial eras, must be realized.

At the Global Industry Innovation Conference held last week, smart factories and the Fourth Industrial Revolution were also addressed as core issues. Observing this event, I was reminded once again that "people" and "collaboration" lie at the center of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, led by "intelligence" represented by artificial intelligence and software, and "information" comprising big data, IoT, and cloud technology, people are ultimately both the starting point and the completion.


Frank Seipelt, CEO of Bosch Korea, also made clear in his keynote address that "people are at the center of the Fourth Industrial Revolution." He went on to say, "Technology exists not to replace people, but to assist people. People will ultimately serve as decision-makers," and stated that "Industry 4.0 is ultimately the work of people." He emphasized that collaboration among all these participants is necessary for the success of Industry 4.0. This means that to create a business ecosystem, different industries must connect and collaborate as if performing an "orchestral performance."

Regarding such collaboration, Shriris Melkote, former Deputy Director of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), who participated in a special lecture, provided concrete examples. He noted that the reasons for the revival of U.S. manufacturing, which had suffered from trade deficits after losing leadership in advanced products in the 2000s, could be found in organic collaboration among government, industry, and academia. Manufacturing innovation centers jointly proposed and created by government, industry, and academia focused on narrowing the gap from basic research to commercialization stages.

The strategic objectives of the centers are to enhance competitiveness, promote innovative technology development, and support sustainable businesses. The significant role played by manufacturing innovation centers, which served as a hub for manufacturing development—encompassing not only R&D but also workforce training—contributed greatly to the revival of manufacturing. Since these centers also assist startups in addition to existing manufacturers, one can appreciate how well the collaborative relationships have been structured.

Collaboration Effects Among Sectors Show Five-Fold Increase

These centers do not stop at investment alone. They evaluate how well projects have progressed, assess results and manufacturing impact. Extensive research and evaluation take place. These research institutes create regional economic clusters, and such partnerships serve as important factors in Industry 4.0.

Former Deputy Director Shriris Melkote stated that he believes in the "power of connection" achieved through such collaboration. "There are reports that collaboration effects among these sectors increase five-fold," he said, and continued, "U.S. manufacturing revived because it promoted R&D innovation and created an ecosystem. Additionally, the federal government made efforts in workforce development through education while creating sustainable enterprises through investment."

Industry 4.0 may not be something distant. As CEO Seipelt said, it might be as close as "an object on a shelf within reach." The issue is that it must be a people-centric industry and must be rebuilt upon collaboration between people. This is what the new administration, which has stepped forward understanding the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and pledging to create its foundation, must pay closest attention to.