Definition

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There have been three industrial revolutions in human history. (See also Industrialization in Canada.) Many scholars think the digital economy represents a fourth.

The first industrial revolution began in Britain between about 1760 and 1850. It saw the country's economic base shift from rural farming to urban manufacturing. This model was then adopted by other countries around the world. China and India were among the last countries to industrialize, doing so in the mid-20th century. The second industrial revolution started in the United States in 1870. It saw the economic base move from individually produced goods to mass production and distribution.

The third industrial revolution started in the 1960s. It saw the rise of information and communication technologies (ICT). The economic base of society shifted to computer-based work. Some think the current digital economy is a continuation of this industrial revolution. Others believe it merits its own distinct phase. (See also Computers and Canadian Society.)