Evolution of "internet of things" concept and state policy

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the research on the Internet of Things (IoT). The three main areas of the research included a study on evolution of IoT, analysis of market estimates and trends, as well as comparison of state policies on IoT. The research is based on a wide range of scientific sources and information provided by global think tanks, analytical agencies and consulting firms. It has been revealed that there is no universal definition of IoT. The interpretation of the phenomenon varies from a simple combination of some of technological components to a sophisticated conceptual framework. The multifariousness of definitions results in a great variety of market estimates. Moreover, the outlook for the market becomes more and more subdued due to anterior misplaced market expectations and uneven development of elements of IoT technology stack. The ambiguousness of IoT definition has negative effects on advancement of government policy in this field: most of the countries have no specific tools for acceleration of IoT development and expansion of IoT market. The stark exclusion is China. The analysis of Chinese experience along with that of the two other leading countries in IoT - USA and France - is valuable for assessment and improvement of Russian state policy on IoT development. There are basically three policy tools - analytical reports and guidelines, regulatory frameworks and financial support - that can be applied both on state and regional levels. The most profound and broad policy is carried out by Chinese government. American approach is more focused on regulatory issues, while France is expert at supporting startups. It is worth noting that in all of the three countries the government support is unfolded in the context of success of private companies in development of IoT projects.