For the past several years, we have been part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Modern technologies streamline processes, automate production, and allow companies to respond more quickly to market changes. However, as these solutions become more advanced, the question arises: is it time for the next step – Industry 5.0? How does it differ from the previous concept, what benefits does it offer, and is its implementation inevitable?
There is probably no need to elaborate on the definition of „Industry 4.0.” In short, it is a concept that calls for integrating industrial processes with modern technologies. The goal is to create smart, automated, and connected production systems that are more efficient, flexible, and autonomous.
According to an APA Group report on the state of Polish Industry 4.0, by 2024, over 70% of managers and specialists from various industries will be familiar with the idea of Industry 4.0. 88% of respondents admit that implementing this concept increases the company’s competitiveness in the market. Almost 60% of Polish industrial companies have either already implemented initial technological improvements or are working on a strategy to implement modern solutions. It can therefore be concluded that the Industry 4.0 philosophy is present in Polish enterprises and is being gradually implemented depending on human and financial resources. But will this be the final change?
Is it time for Industry 5.0?
The term „Industry 5.0” was first used in 2017. Since 2023, the European Commission has intensified efforts to encourage the adoption of this approach across the continent. Industry 5.0 focuses on returning the human dimension to industry and presents the worker as the supervisor of machines, working in collaboration with smart production systems. Unlike Industry 4.0, this concept emphasizes that only collaboration between humans and machines will ensure precision and accuracy (guaranteed by machines) and correctness of processes (ensured by humans).
The increased importance of the human factor in production processes is likely to redefine competitive advantage. While Industry 4.0 largely relies on process optimization and cost reduction, Industry 5.0 opens new development paths through innovative operating models. There are three notable areas here: (1) employee development, enabling them to perform more creative and valuable tasks, (2) product and service personalization, which will meet individual consumer needs, and (3) increasing environmental and social responsibility, including optimizing the product life cycle and managing consumption and waste.
Companies adopting a strategic approach to implementing Industry 5.0 principles will be able to build competitive advantages by integrating the needs of employees, customers, and global markets. This will likely be an investment in long-term resilience, competitiveness, and social trust, which, in times of rapid change and growing customer expectations, will become not just an option, but a necessity for companies that want to be future leaders.
Are We Ready to Collaborate with Technology?
In the aforementioned APA Group report, the most commonly cited challenges related to implementing Industry 4.0 include high investment costs, difficulties in system integration, fears of rapid technological obsolescence, and a shortage of qualified workers capable of working with modern solutions.
Since the rise in popularity of ChatGPT, technology is infiltrating not only industrial processes but also other professional fields. According to a report by Pracuj.pl on the impact of technology on work and recruitment, employees in industries like marketing, HR, and customer service have the most concerns about AI implementation. On the other hand, only 16% of respondents regularly use AI in their work, but 60% express a willingness to participate in AI training if it were organized by their employer.
Let’s talk about the concept of Industry 5.0
At the AIBA conference, a gap in education about effectively using the latest technological solutions is addressed by, among others, the Silesian Startup Foundation. One of the key events discussing this topic is AIBA—a global conference where representatives of leading tech companies (such as Asana, ABB, Miro, Zoom, Vodafone, and Vaillant) present practical examples of using innovative solutions in business and industry. This year’s edition will take place on October 8–10 at the Silesian Museum in Katowice, and its main theme will be the role of humans in the rapidly evolving world of technology.
It’s important to note that the main goal of the AIBA conference is to integrate the business community with the creators of AI-based tools and specialists implementing these solutions in companies. This year’s agenda will include practical examples of creating business value through collaboration between humans and AI tools. During the conference, the experiences of local entrepreneurs will collide with AI product developers from various corners of the world—confirmed speakers for this year’s edition include representatives from the business, technology, and academic worlds from Spain, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
More details about the conference can be found at: www.aibaconference.com.
Małgorzata Skorupa
Vice President, Silesian Startup Foundation
The interview appeared in the June issue of Business HUB.
The online version of the issue can be downloaded : HERE.