Skills that matter for workers in Industry 5.0 – a skills transformation ecosystem approach (SKILLUP)

Research problem and specific questionsThe main question of this project is: What future skills are required for the vision of a fifth industrial revolution, labelled Industry 5.0?

This European vision has been formulated to reconcile the present rapid development of industrial technology with a humanistic approach on a sustainable working life and propelled by a worker-centred approach on learning.

A central concept in the project is skills transformation ecosystem emphasising that workplace learning, in-house training and vocational education must be interconnected.Three research questions will be asked:What are the key characteristics of workers’ learning and skills training that can promote transitions to I5.0?Which working and learning conditions are required in manufacturing companies to support workers’ skills transition to I5.0?Which innovative initiatives can be identified among vocational education stakeholders to supply the skills needed for workers in I5.0 and create new jobs?Data and methodThe project employs an interactive research design to conduct impact-driven research.

A mix of data collection methods will be used.

Data will consist of:1) Two questionnaires targeting manufacturing companies respective providers of higher vocational education,2) Four case studies in the form of 40-60 qualitative interviews covering workers, managers, and support functions in four manufacturing companies that have come far in the movement to Industry 5.0,3) Five data collection workshops with key stakeholders in manufacturing industry and educational providers will address how they deal with challenges in fostering skills for the future.Plan for project realisationThe project will be conducted during a three-year period 2023–2025.

The two surveys will be conducted and analysed during the first year and preliminary results will be presented and disseminate in two workshops with stakeholders. The four case studies will be conducted and analysed during the second year.

During the third and final year, the results based on the different data sets will be further analysed to reach a holistic understanding of a skills formation ecosystem.RelevanceThe project will add new knowledge about future skills transformation from worker-, industry- and stakeholder perspectives.

The theoretical ambition to better understand the interconnected nature of a skills transformation ecosystem is important to avoid narrow approaches on technological development in working life.