Trust the Germans to come up with the goods when it comes to technology and engineering, and the marketing item. The country that brought us "Das Auto" and "Vorsprung durch Technik" (Progress through technology) has now introduced to the world "Industry 4.0". That is the moniker the German government has adopted to describe the mass computerization and mechanization of traditional industries, which some are calling the fourth industrial revolution.

One of those who knows a lot about Industry 4.0, and who has spent the best part of half a century getting commercial and corporate messages across, is Roland Berger, head of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, based in Munich and with nearly 50 offices in 35 countries.

Even though the term Industry 4.0 was, like Berger, born in Berlin, he believes its applications are as relevant to China as they are to his own country.