The New Industrial Identity: The Power of Digitalization and Automation

The New Industrial Identity: The Power of Digitalization and Automation – Various Authors

1. Full Citation

Various Authors (2021) The New Industrial Identity: The Power of Digitalization and Automation. Edited volume. London: Routledge.

2. Introduction

The New Industrial Identity is a comprehensive edited volume that examines the transformative impact of digitalization and automation on industry, economy, and society. Through interdisciplinary contributions, the book explores how emerging technologies reshape industrial identity, organisational structures, and labour markets. It offers insights into the economic, social, and ethical implications of digital transformation, providing both theoretical frameworks and empirical case studies from diverse sectors.

3. Author Background and Credentials

As an edited collection, the volume features contributions from leading scholars in industrial economics, technology studies, sociology, and management. Editors and authors hail from prestigious universities and research institutes, bringing a range of academic perspectives on the digital industrial revolution.

4. Summary of Contents

The volume is organised into thematic sections:

  1. Technological Drivers
    • Examines automation, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms as engines of industrial change.
  2. Economic Impacts
    • Analyses shifts in productivity, value chains, and competitive advantage in the digital age.
  3. Workforce Transformation
    • Explores changes in labour demand, skill requirements, and the future of employment.
  4. Organisational and Cultural Change
    • Studies how digital tools reshape organisational identity, culture, and innovation.
  5. Ethical and Social Considerations
    • Discusses privacy, surveillance, inequality, and governance challenges posed by new technologies.
  6. Case Studies
    • Offers sector-specific examples from manufacturing, services, and emerging digital industries.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

The volume presents a coherent interdisciplinary dialogue, though the diversity of authors sometimes leads to varying perspectives and emphases.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

It advances understanding of digital industrial transformation by integrating economic, sociological, and ethical viewpoints.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Chapters draw on qualitative and quantitative research, including empirical data, case studies, and theoretical analysis.

d. Style and Accessibility

Academic in tone, the book targets researchers, policymakers, and graduate students familiar with industrial and digital studies.

e. Limitations and Critiques

The breadth of topics may challenge readers seeking focused analysis. Some chapters may be dense or jargon-heavy.

6. Comparative Context

Compared with:

  • The Second Machine Age by Brynjolfsson and McAfee – More technology-focused and accessible
  • Digital Transformation by Westerman et al. – Practical organisational strategies
  • Industry 4.0 literature – Technical and engineering emphasis

This volume provides a broader socio-economic and ethical lens on digital industrial change.

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

Relevant to:

  • Industrial and innovation economics
  • Technology and society studies
  • Organisational change and management
  • Ethics and governance of digital technologies

8. Reflection or Practical Application

The book informs policymakers and business leaders about managing technological disruption while addressing social and ethical challenges.

9. Conclusion

The New Industrial Identity is a valuable interdisciplinary resource for understanding how digitalization and automation redefine industry and society. Its holistic approach supports informed decision-making amid rapid technological change.

Recommended for: Academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and graduate students in economics, management, and technology studies.

10. Other Works by the Same Editors/Authors

  • Digital Economy and Society: Impacts, Challenges and Policies
  • Automation, Production Systems, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • Erik Brynjolfsson & Andrew McAfee – The Second Machine Age
  • George Westerman et al. – Leading Digital
  • Klaus Schwab – The Fourth Industrial Revolution

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Brynjolfsson, E. & McAfee, A. (2014) The Second Machine Age
  • Westerman, G. et al. (2014) Leading Digital
  • Schwab, K. (2016) The Fourth Industrial Revolution
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