The Fourth Industrial Revolution and arisen issues for WTO

Abstract

In 2013, the "industrial revolution 4.0" issue was raised in Germany, opening up a digital revolution with the introduction of virtual reality technology, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, Internet of things, etc. International organizations that have a great influence on the world economy and trade such as the WTO as well as individual member states are not out of the wave of this industrial revolution. The paper analyses the e-commerce issues, determining the value of tariffs on 3D printed products which are designed overseas, or servicification of manufacturing in regard to the three areas of trade in services, trade in goods, trade in terms of intellectual property rights in the context of the industrial revolution 4.0. It suggests requirements for the WTO regarding the legal framework for the settlement of e-commerce disputes through online dispute resolution methods. The paper also offers some recommendations for the WTO to complete its legal corridor in the current context of the fourth industrial revolution.