Industry 4.0 and its applications in the military: strategic opportunity for Latin America

Abstract

Military innovations have historically driven technological development and industry innovation. This research focuses on Industry 4.0 technologies and their relationship with the development of military applications in the current context. A literature review and a bibliometric study using Bibliometrix evidence the relationship between the multidimensional difficulties in implementing technologies and the scarce research in these fields. Compared to more developed countries, there are wide technological gaps in Latin America, generating a strong technological dependence. Thus, it is concluded that research and innovation in Industry 4.0 and its military applications is a strategic opportunity for Latin America, as it can boost the region’s technological, economic, and social development.