Henrik von Scheel
The Originator of Industry 4.0 and the Global Digital Revolution
- Father of Industry 4.0: Credited with coining the term “4th Industrial Revolution” and instrumental in shaping Germany’s high-tech strategy, influencing global digital and industrial transformation.
- World-Renowned Strategist: Work has impacted 24 national economies, shaped 23% of Fortune 500 companies, and triggered GDP growth through groundbreaking strategic insights.
- Leading Futurist: Recognized as one of the most influential thinkers of our time, a sought-after speaker who ignited global megatrends and reshaped mainstream management practices.
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Henrik von Scheel's 2025 Biography
Prof. Henrik von Scheel
Best known as the originator of the 4th Industrial Revolution and digital themes of today.
With over 20 years of expertise as a project manager in executive roles, he has shaped corporate strategies, manage profit & loss and empowered teams to deliver results.
Managing Director at the Institute of Strategic Intelligence, that provides the trends, report and content for the World Economic Forum.
Professor of Strategy Management with 20 years dedicated to strategy and futures research. His work is applied to over 24 national economies, influencing GDP growth, triggering global themes, set industry standards that has shaped the performance of 23% of the fastest-growing companies on the Fortune 500 list.
He is a sought-after speaker and advisor on the toughest issues in business today.
Impact
Genesis of the Digital theme
In 2009, Prof Henrik von Scheel and Prof August Wilhelm Scheer ignited the global digital theme of today. As part of the Advisory Council at the Federal Minister of Economy & Technology, they played a significant role in defining Germany’s future digital strategy.
The “Digital Agenda” was adopted by the European Commission in 2010, as the Europe Digital Agenda 2020 and evolved into the European Digital Revolution. “Digital Agenda” is one of Europe’s seven flagship – responsible for 5% of GDP, with a market value of €660 billion annually. The “Digital Agenda” evolved into the global digital theme of today.
Godfather of the 4th Industrial Revolution
In 2011, Prof von Scheel coined the term 4th Industrial Revolution, as one of the masterminds and driving forces behind its inception. As member of the Advisory Group for the Federal Ministry Education & Research, Prof. Henrik von Scheel, Prof August Wilhelm Scheer and Prof Henning Kagermann where tasked to defining the high-tech strategy for Germany.
The final concept of “Industry 4.0” was announced April 2013 as an inter-ministerial innovation policy initiative. Prof von Scheel announced that the Industry 4.0 will emerge in 8 evolutionary stages, propelled by 77 megatrends.
Board Experience
- June 09 – present
- Chairman of the 4th Industrial Revolution – World Economic Forum
- May 22 – Feb 24
- Advisory Council Member – European Union Artificial Intelligence Act
- Feb 18 – Mar 24
- Advisory Board Member – European Union Climate Change Council
- Mar 11 – Dec 17
- Advisory Board Member for Google EMEA – Alphabet Inc
- Jan 11 – April 13
- Advisory Group Member (Industry 4.0 originator) – Federal Ministry of Education & Research, Germany
- Mar 08 – Mar 10
- Advisory Council Member (Digital Initiator) – Federal Ministry of Economics & Technology, Germany
Awards
“Nobel laureates of the Knowledge Award for intellectual achievement
and knowledge sharing” – The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award
“Honorary Professor Doctorate for the evolution of mainstream Strategy
Management thinking” – Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business
Henrik von Scheel's 2025 Talks & Topics
- Megatrends that shape the next decade in Oil & Gas or X industry
- The great Factory remake
- Industry 4.0 paradigm shift that everything until 2050
- The Bio (r)evolution: The next Tech Revolution that changes Human evolution
- Investment 4.0: Capitalize on the future
- Economic (r)evolution: Global Economic shifts that reshape the world we live in
- Digital (r)evolution: Digitalize to Grow from the Core
- Technology (r)evolution: Operate to Excel Fueled by Convergence Tech 4.0
- Environmental (r)evolution: Profit from Sustainability
- Consumer (r)evolution: Turning point for User, Identity, Ownership and Privacy
- Fusion Science (r)evolution: The holy grail of clean endless Energy
- Quantum (r)evolution: Navigate the Future of Quantum Technology
- Hindsight: The Great Shifts of the last 100 years, that everybody should know
- Future of AI – An executive’s guide to apply AI Hype cycle 2025
- Future of Supply Chain: Productive, Resilient and Profitable
- The Future of Work: Reposition, re-humanization and reskill
- Faresight: Megatrends Compendium 2050 for each Industry
- Strategizer 101: A Strategy to Thrive in Uncertainty
- Outperform 101: Profit from the Core Revive Competitiveness
- Futurize 101: Create the Future while Manage the Present
- Superpower 101: Future-proof your Business
- The Hero’s Journey: Leading through Change
- Reality Bites: Executive Guide to Operate to Grow
- Applied AI: Impact at scale with Smart Automation
- Digital Snippification: Nuts and Bolts of Digitalization
- Make it Stick: The new blueprint for cooperate Performance
- Delivery on Promise: Fast-track Strategy Execution
- Future of Work: Don ́t transform. Reinvent the organisation
Henrik von Scheel's Latest Books
Strategy in the Age of Disruption: A Handbook to Anticipate Change and Make Smart Decisions
Seize your place in a new era in commerce and industry
In Strategy in The Age of Disruption, a team of dedicated strategists delivers an exciting and practical guide to Industry 4.0, a commercial transformation that’s impacting every facet of the market, the environment, and our social lives. You’ll learn what Industry 4.0 is, what it means for you and your company, and how you—as a leader, manager, expert, entrepreneur, or investor—can capitalize on it and put it into practice.
This is a complete handbook on strategic execution. It’s a step-by-step tutorial designed to get you to clearly see your strategic position, the choices available to you, and how to execute on those choices. You’ll also find:
Ways to move beyond outdated business models that no longer serve the companies that follow them
Common myths about strategy and how to put them to bed for good
Deep and insightful explanations of the fourth industrial revolution and what it means for your sector and company
Highly visual and endlessly engaging, Strategy in The Age of Disruption will systematically guide you through how to manage the challenges of the present and the promise of the future.
The Complete Business Process Handbook: Body of Knowledge from Process Modeling to BPM, Volume I: Body of Knowledge from Process Modeling to BPM, Volume 1
The Complete Business Process Handbook is the most comprehensive body of knowledge on business processes with revealing new research. Written as a practical guide for Executives, Practitioners, Managers and Students by the authorities that have shaped the way we think and work with process today. It stands out as a masterpiece, being part of the BPM bachelor and master degree curriculum at universities around the world, with revealing academic research and insight from the leaders in the market. This book provides everything you need to know about the processes and frameworks, methods, and approaches to implement BPM. Through real-world examples, best practices, LEADing practices and advice from experts, readers will understand how BPM works and how to best use it to their advantage. Cases from industry leaders and innovators show how early adopters of LEADing Practices improved their businesses by using BPM technology and methodology. As the first of three volumes, this book represents the most comprehensive body of knowledge published on business process. Following closely behind, the second volume uniquely bridges theory with how BPM is applied today with the most extensive information on extended BPM. The third volume will explore award winning real-life examples of leading business process practices and how it can be replaced to your advantage.
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