ABSTRACT
Using the General Purpose Technologies framework, the authors approache the problem of analysing the Fourth Industrial Revolution from an economic perspective by identifying three core mega-technologies, namely the ever-evolving, ubiquitous internet, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, which underlie and enable the various commercial applications which are presently driving the radical, structural transformation of our economic systems. The Brisbane Club model of socioeconomic systems is applied as complex, evolving networks, formed by individuals acting on the basis of their psychology and socioeconomic environment, enabled by technology. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is radically altering the structure and function of our socioeconomic systems, and new opportunities are opening up for the creation of a successful life or business. Each of the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution ultimately relies on physical infrastructure, and the compromise of this infrastructure’s integrity poses significant risks given how much of modern society and commerce is predicated upon it.
