This chapter questions the increasingly popular narrative of technological advancement as a series of abrupt “Industrial Revolutions,” favoring instead an understanding of technological change as an ongoing process of “Industrial Evolution.” We argue that the recent explosion in the use of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and related terms are indicative of its use as a buzzword. By examining the music recording industry’s transformation, the authors illustrate that perceived “revolutionary” shifts are better understood as cumulative, evolutionary processes, shaped by societal shifts and cumulative advancements in technology. The study advocates hence for a nuanced understanding of technological progress, emphasizing the interconnected and path-dependent nature of developments. It argues that the concept of distinct industrial revolutions generally oversimplifies the complex and continuous trajectory of technological and industrial evolution. The implications for research include a call for a shift in conceptual frameworks and research methodologies, emphasizing longitudinal studies and interdisciplinary approaches that acknowledge historical dependencies rather than suggesting questionable scenarios before and after. For practitioners, the notion of “Industrial Evolution” necessitates a deeper historical understanding of strategic decision-making. Policymakers are encouraged to adopt a visionary, long-term perspective to foster sustained and inclusive innovation. The chapter concludes with a call for further exploration through longitudinal case studies across various sectors and investigation into the pace of socio-technological evolution.

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Another Industrial Revolution? It’s All Evolution!

  • Johan Kask,
  • Ryan Armstrong

摘要

This chapter questions the increasingly popular narrative of technological advancement as a series of abrupt “Industrial Revolutions,” favoring instead an understanding of technological change as an ongoing process of “Industrial Evolution.” We argue that the recent explosion in the use of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and related terms are indicative of its use as a buzzword. By examining the music recording industry’s transformation, the authors illustrate that perceived “revolutionary” shifts are better understood as cumulative, evolutionary processes, shaped by societal shifts and cumulative advancements in technology. The study advocates hence for a nuanced understanding of technological progress, emphasizing the interconnected and path-dependent nature of developments. It argues that the concept of distinct industrial revolutions generally oversimplifies the complex and continuous trajectory of technological and industrial evolution. The implications for research include a call for a shift in conceptual frameworks and research methodologies, emphasizing longitudinal studies and interdisciplinary approaches that acknowledge historical dependencies rather than suggesting questionable scenarios before and after. For practitioners, the notion of “Industrial Evolution” necessitates a deeper historical understanding of strategic decision-making. Policymakers are encouraged to adopt a visionary, long-term perspective to foster sustained and inclusive innovation. The chapter concludes with a call for further exploration through longitudinal case studies across various sectors and investigation into the pace of socio-technological evolution.