Networked intelligence, a wider fusion of technologies that spurs the Fourth Industrial Revolution, part I, foundations

In this article, it is argued that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (I4.0) is the result of a technology fusion between the following factors that define an economic epoch: (a) The production systems and the type of tools these systems are employing; (b) The communication technologies as well as the means used for information storage, processing, sensing and knowledge creation: the information and communication technologies (ICT); (c) The energy generation and distribution systems used, and (d) The biotechnology. The thesis of this article is that ICT is the predominant factor in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To justify this claim, the progress of the scientific fields of which this factor consists is elaborated, and its impact on other factors is highlighted with emphasis on the societal impact. It is claimed that the eventual fusion of these factors leads to a single technological continuum. The eventual fusion of all factors is made possible because they all exploit a common material base while we are entering the era where we can regulate and superintend a vast number of heterogeneous technologies via open software. The eventual fusion of these factors will lead to a single technological continuum, and it will redefine the notions of "production" and "work," as it will allow overcoming the over-fragmentation in specialization, while it will reshape our cities, our personal lives and our relationship with science.