FROM STEAM TO SENTIENT SYSTEMS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTIONS 1.0 TO 8.0 AND LEAPFROGGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LESS DEVELOPED ECONOMIES

Abstract

The history of global industrialization, from the early mechanized textile mills of 18^th century Britain to the (predicted) autonomous and bio-digital ecosystems of the mid-21^st century, is one of the most significant in human history. In this systematic review eight distinct industrial eras (evolutionary cycles) will be discussed covering technologies, economy and society characteristics. Using published academic literature, multilateral (MD) development reports and empirical case studies, the extent to which poor and poorer LDCs, defined by the World Bank, can take advantage of the asymmetric opportunities imbedded in this long arc of technological change, is evaluated. The review demonstrates that LDEs do not only need to wait for technologically more advanced examples to be picked up by industry, but can take more advanced technologies selectively and diffuse them to the industry without following through the preexisting technological infrastructures and experience an accelerated structural change if the infrastructure is conducive. There are four cross-cutting opportunity domains identified: digital leapfrogging, renewable-energy transitions, Agri-tech modernization and human capital formation. A policy framework of regulatory, institutional and investment priorities for LDE governments and their development partners is the focus of the study's conclusion.