The Swedish and global manufacturing industry is experiencing a surge of innovation and development, with advancements in Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and automation. It has been nearly 15 years since Industry 4.0 emerged as a concept for the transformation towards more digital, connected, and intelligent industrial production. This development is far from over; rather, it is a continuous process based on smarter technology usage.
This paradigm focuses not only on technological advancements, increased efficiency, and production flexibility but also on people, sustainability, and creating a resilient industry. The driving forces behind this development include skill shortages, climate goals, and the effects of the pandemic.
The technological leap affects an individual's role. Increased automation, digitalization, and optimization of all parts of the value chain lead to a changing need for skills. It encompasses not only a general shortage of skills due to upcoming retirements and lack of trained talent but also how humans interact with technology, flexible and adaptable work environments, and how technology can complement and enhance human work. The manufacturing industry is a high-tech sector that requires continuous skill and capability development.
There are various drivers of sustainability in Industry 5.0, including regulatory requirements, economic incentives, and increasing customer demand for sustainable products. One area is the efficient and environmentally friendly use of resources for a more circular economy, which demands traceability before, during, and after the manufacturing process.
The vulnerability of global supply chains became apparent during the pandemic due to long-term skill shortages. The Russia-Ukraine conflict revealed Europe's energy dependency. Today's industrial companies must change their mindset to become more resilient. They must be more flexible and agile across the entire value chain, anticipate effects, and learn from challenges. Digital resilience is essential to counter threats such as cyberattacks and foresee the effects of global warming.
As the manufacturing industry undergoes Industry 5.0, it can be seen as a sociotechnological transformation. The challenge is to balance the current and future needs of the workforce and society by sustainably optimizing energy consumption, raw material and resource processes, and product life cycles.