INDUSTRY 4.0 AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: A CONCEPTUAL DISCUSSION, UNDER NEOSCHUMPETERIAN PERSPECTIVE, INCLUDING ST&I AND CATCH UP POLICIES

Abstract

In the contemporary environment, Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Digital Transformation (DT) related to the terms Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) gained prominence. The aim of this paper is the conceptual discussion about (I4.0) and (DT) in the light of the theoretical framework established on Revolutions, Paradigms and Technological Trajectories. In addition to discussing how these aspects relate to Science, Technology and Innovation policies, catch up and monitoring mechanisms such as PINTEC. The syntheses show that there is no consensus on technologies related to (I4.0) and (DT) to constitute a new consolidated dominant paradigm; There is evidence of an insurgent technological revolution related to new General Purpose Technologies, including technologies (I4.0) and (DT); In the Brazilian context, these technologies could be induced through policies aimed at catching up through strategic areas. We suggest the development of specific monitoring tools for these new technologies. We propose the inclusion of new research themes / variables related to (I4.0) and (TD) to the PINTEC - IBGE methodology; and the R&D of big data, data analytics and artificial intelligence tools, with the potential to produce a fourth generation economics indicators.