STI policies and strategies to prepare developing countries for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

One of the most important challenges faced by developing countries is the fourth industrial revolution. The foundation of this revolution, which is based on digital technology, is much more complicated than previous industrial revolutions. Industry 4.0 is accompanied by the development of new technologies in various fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchains, nanotechnology, quantum processing, Internet of things, 3D printing, Big Data, objects and automated vehicles. This revolution is a paradigm shift from centralized to decentralized production, and will gradually transform all systems related to production, management, and governance in industries and countries. As compared to developed countries, in which the process of industry 4.0 formation was started earlier and aimed at marketing and social results, developing countries face the institutional (absence of state strategy of formation of Industry 4.0) and financial barriers and seek economic goals. Adoption of these disruptive and frontier technologies by developing countries will have opportunities and challenges and risks. Science, technology and innovation (STI) have been heralded as key means of implementation for these technologies. STI policies and strategies could prepare developing countries embrace disruptive and exponential technologies that are expected to come along with Industry 4.0.