Beginning in the 18th century, the First Industrial Revolution was characterized by the mechanization of production through steam and the birth of the proletariat. The second Industrial Revolution then began in the late 19th century with the mass production automation. Technology also progressed and gave rise to the third Industrial Revolution in the 1950s which was marked by the development of digital systems and information technology.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution was first coined by Professor Klaus Schwab, a German economist who was also the founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF). According to him, the Industrial Revolution 4.0 was fundamentally different from the previous edition of the industrial revolution. The Fourth Industrial Revolution made the boundary between the digital, physical and biological world thinner, even lost. Artificial intelligence, robotic technology, big data and the internet of things make all elements of human life easily connected. Some opinions even far argue about the meaning of human existence in this world which is increasingly easily replaced by technology.
Professor Klaus further said the 4.0 Industrial Revolution could have a negative impact on governments who stutter and cannot take advantage of rapid technological developments. Technological advances allow the growth of security threats that go beyond the traditional boundaries of a country. Low adaptation will also deepen economic disparity between communities. In the future, countries that can make good use of technological advances will be able to become a global power. But on the contrary, those who are not ready and busy themselves with domestic affairs will not be able to compete.
While in Indonesia alone there are 4 (four) strategic steps that have been identified by the Indonesian Minister of Industry to be ready to face the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
First, from the perspective of human resources (HR), the Indonesian workforce needs to improve its skills in understanding internet of things. For this reason, vocational education needs to be directed so that it can link and match the needs of the industry in the future. This is also needed to prepare skilled workers who are ready to use in the industrial sector with a target of reaching one million people by 2019.
Second, the development of small and medium industry e-smart programs (IKM). Through the program, it is expected that mastery of the use of digital technology can spur productivity and competitiveness of national industries.
Third, the government also calls on national industries to be able to promote the use of digital technology (Big Data, Autonomous Robots, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Augmented Reality) which can ultimately increase efficiency and reduce costs by around 12-15%.
Fourth, facilitate the construction of business incubation sites that can encourage the development of startups at the national level. This Government effort is seen through the construction of several technoparks such as in Bandung (Bandung Techno Park), Denpasar (TohpaTI Center), Semarang (Semarang Business Center Incubator), Makassar (Makassar Techno Park) and Batam (Mobile Design Center). Not only the government, educational institutions and the private sector have also helped build technoparks facilities in several regions of Indonesia.
In addition, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has also officially launched the road map “Making Indonesia 4.0. The road map was initiated by the Ministry of Industry, which was basically aimed at pursuing a comprehensive revitalization of the national industry. Not to forget, it is hoped that this roadmap can ensure inclusive growth involving all levels of the community economy, not only large companies but also micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
With the explanation above, we as UMS Master of Accounting Study Program students will hold a public lecture with the theme “Structuring Financial Statements for MSMEs in Facing the 4.0 Industrial Revolution”.