One of the most important trends within the ongoing digitalization is the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT). It concerns the emergence of devices and objects that are connected to the internet and in this way communicate with each other and people. These 'things', such as machines and products, can be made 'smart' with electronics, so that they can make digital links in all sorts of areas and collect valuable information. It is expected that by 2020 approximately 25 billion IoT-devices will be connected to the internet worldwide. At the moment, in concerns 'only' about 5 billion smart objects. Due to the IoT, a worldwide ecosystem of digital connections will materialize with far-reaching consequences for society and the economy. In particular, the IoT will have a significant impact on business and revenue models of companies. At the same time, it offers unprecedented opportunities for new products and services.

In this book Willem Vermeend and Jan Willem Timmer explore the revolution of the Internet of Things. It is intended for anyone with an interest in new internet developments and the huge impact this will have on our society and economy. With practical examples the authors show that everyone will at some point be affected by the IoT. They also give advice to entrepreneurs, start-ups, educational institutions and governments to improve performance with the IoT.