Regions beyond Industry 4.0

This special issue presents a collection of papers that explore from different angles the opportunities and challenges that Industry 4.0 poses to regions and cities. Papers investigate issues concerning: regional economies' potential in creating new technologies by mapping the regional distribution of technological innovation capabilities and technological adoption; the implications for jobs and labour markets of the related regional socio-economic shocks; and how the awareness and adoption of such technologies are transforming regions and places. Transversally, the role of policy, agency and stakeholders will be pulled out with current examples of visionary strategies and practical instrumental policies that are actively supporting firms, regions, and places to embrace and drive a transformation that is as testing as it is inevitable.

Automated summary

The papers in this special issue explore the opportunities and challenges that Industry 4.0 poses to regions and cities, focusing on regional economic potential, the implications of social and economic shocks on labor markets, and the role of technology awareness and adoption in transforming regions and places.