Urban Transformation Under Technological Disruption: A Literature Review

Abstract

Most contemporary urban theories highlight the role of global capitalism. In difference, this article argues that technological development has the potential to transform the urban. This article examines the urban transformation in the Industry 4.0 era due to the technological disruption generated by the Internet of Things, blockchain, 3D printing, robotics, drones, and artificial intelligence. Through a semi-systematic literature review method, this article draws on the fact that the utilisation of those cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing leads to a back-shoring industry. Production activities are becoming more localised in multilayer urban factories. In contrast to the traditional notion of the megalopolis agglomeration model, this study finds that the future urban transformation will undermine the established regional networks and even draw back economic networks into the intra-urban scale.