Industry 5.0: The Era of Intelligent, Green, and Human-Centric

Technology and digitalisation move remarkably fast. It seems like just yesterday everyone was talking about a future where production and manufacturing were driven by digitisation, interconnectivity, automation, cloud computing, and big data.

Well, that future is already in the rear-view mirror. Today, the future is Industry 5.0.

According to the European Commission, Industry 5.0 represents the next step in the evolution of economies and societies. ‘It complements the existing "Industry 4.0" approach by specifically putting research and innovation at the service of the transition to a sustainable, human-centric and resilient European industry.’

Building on the benefits of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 adds such intangible factors as human well-being and sustainability to the equation. Using a combination of research, innovation, and technological transformation, Industry 5.0 aims to put people - and society - before profit.

As explained by the European Commission, industries can now play an active role in offering solutions to challenges we face as a society, including resource sustainability, climate change and social stability. Further, through the impact of human-centric industry 5.0 workers will be empowered, and the evolving skills and training needs of employees will be addresses. And, additionally, revising existing value chains and energy consumption practices can also make industries more resilient against external shocks, such as Covid-19 crisis.

Industries have the potential to play a robust role in society, one that goes well beyond its traditional role of creating jobs and facilitating economic growth. Through the intelligent use of advanced technologies, Industry 5.0 is poised to help build a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable society for everyone. And, in the wake of the pandemic, it could not have come at a better time.

‘Many European industries are reinventing themselves, adapting to the new COVID reality, increasingly embracing digital and green technologies to remain the solution provider for all Europeans,’ says Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth. ‘Now is the time to make workplaces more inclusive, build more resilient supply chains, and adopt more sustainable ways of production.’

Without any doubt, organisations are now at an important juncture – one full of opportunity. The key to seizing this opportunity is digitalisation.

‘Companies that embrace digital transformation perform better, are more dynamic, have higher labour productivity, grow faster, have better management practices, and create higher-paying jobs,’ says Asja Kamenica, Head of the Professional School at EIT Digital, ‘yet even though the benefits of digitalisation are clear, many companies still struggle to make the transition.’

To assist, EIT Digital Professional School offers several courses to help organisations chart the right path towards a successful digital transformation. For example, as customers demand sustainable products and solutions, the supply chain must deliver. ‘Our Sustainability and Digital Innovation, the Next Business Shapers course shows you how to leverage digital innovation to meet, and even exceed, your customers’ sustainable expectations,’ says Asja Kamenica.

Likewise, the Get Ahead in the Ongoing Digital Transformation course uses face-to-face training, group activities, and interactive hands-on exercises to give participants the knowledge and tools to drive their company’s own digital transformation.

‘Both courses provide professionals with a roadmap that ensures their (business) success when navigating the digital transformation towards Industry 5.0. Moreover, the current portfolio can be tailored to meet specific corporate needs,’ Asja Kamenica concludes.