Scientists involved in the study of the social and economic development of states agreed that it passes in waves (according to the theory of long waves of Kondratiev), the level of growth is determined by the influence of many factors (cultural, political, social and others), and the driving force development is the degree of information and technological progress. According to a number of sources, the scientific technological revolution (STI) occurs in cycles, while the cycles last about fifty years.
Theory of technological patterns
There are five cycles. In the first wave (from 1785 to 1835), a technological order was formed, which was based on new achievements in the textile industry, the use of water energy. The second cycle (from 1830 to 1890) is associated with the development of the railway industry and transport, mechanical production using steam engines. In the third wave, a technological order was formed,based on the use of electricity. During this period (from 1880 to 1940) the development of the electrical industry and heavy engineering was noted. In the third wave, plastics, non-ferrous metals, aircraft, telegraph, radio communications and other achievements were introduced into life. In addition, trusts, cartels, and large firms began to appear during this period of time. At the same time, the dominance of monopolies and oligopolies was noted on the market, and the accumulation of financial and banking capital began.
Fourth cycle
In the 4th wave, a technological order was formed, which was based on the subsequent development of energy with the use of petroleum products, oil, communications, gas, weapons, aircraft, tractors and other things. During this period, from 1930 to 1990, there was a wide distribution of computers and software, radars. They began to use the atom - for military and then for peaceful purposes. Multinational and transnational companies began to appear, making direct investments in markets in different countries. The fifth wave is characterized by an emphasis on advances in computer science, microelectronics, genetic engineering, biotechnology, satellite communications, and various types of energy. From fragmentation, firms are moving to the formation of a single network of large and small companies, the interaction between which is established using the Internet. This period (from 1985 to 2035) is characterized by planning, ensuring quality control, organizing deliveries in accordance with the "on time" principle. It should be noted thatthe duration of individual waves is slightly more than fifty years. This is due to the coincidence of the time of the decline of the outgoing way of life with the period of progression of the new one. The acceleration of scientific and technical progress will contribute to the reduction of the duration of the waves in the future.
The fifth wave. Items & Benefits
The concept of the technological order of the present includes several components. The main elements are the core, the key factor. The core is the electronic industry, software, computers, telecommunications and other achievements of modern science. Microelectronic components are considered a key factor. Compared to the previous (fourth), the fifth technological order is based on the individualization of consumption and production, the expansion of product diversity, overcoming environmental restrictions through production automation, and so on.
