Japanese are already a step ahead of Germany, They are already pitching "Society 5.0" as an alternative or better replacement. You should check that out.
It wouldnt work outside of EU mainly because Gathering data from industrial machines are Risky. If such datas are exposed, It would create great advantages for compatitors. And Considering Most industrial machines Design with Industry 4.0 in Mind, are Made in German. So, US and Asian nations and companies might see this as National security risk or Compatitively Risky move. That is actually why Japs are making their own pitch with what to do with Big data.