J.I.Igartua¹, J. Retegi¹ and J.A. Eguren¹

¹ Mondragon University, Loramendi 4, 20500 Mondragón

jigartua@mondragon.edu

Keywords: Industry 4.0, Training, Advanced Management, Maturity Model.

1. Introduction

Training in Industry 4.0 and having qualified people is one of the key needs that companies identify when responding to the implementation challenges associated with this new industrial paradigm [1].

Thus, middle management and executives require a technological and managerial perspective and knowledge that will enable them to guide initiatives and projects in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. However, existing training focuses mainly on technology, and pays little attention to the implications and approaches required from a management perspective [2].

2. Objectives

The work in this article presents an Industry 4.0 training framework for middle and senior management that combines managerial and technological perspectives, based on a university-industry collaboration model [3]. This approach, tested through three training editions, is based on a practical business-oriented approach based on five elements: an Industry 4.0 management framework, an Industry 4.0 maturity model, a roadmap exercise, the incorporation of best practices and training in Industry 4.0 technologies.

3. Methods

The analysis of the results of the training experiences developed has been carried out on the basis of the information obtained from a questionnaire sent to the students (53 people). The questionnaire includes both qualitative aspects and qualitative elements, related to the priority areas of training.

4. Conclusions

The training experiences developed highlight the value of the framework and the training program developed, as well as the interest of addressing a training approach based on the management-technology duo. Executives and middle managers highlight the need for a strategic approach to the adoption of smart industry technologies.

In relation to the areas of development, the analysis of the information collected through the questionnaires, stresses the need for a more personalized training (more focused on the business problems of the participants), and the need to address “distance learning”. In addition, the role of digital capabilities in leadership and people management in an Industry 4.0 environment emerges as an area for future research [4].

Acknowledgements. Thanks to the Association of Industrial Engineers of Bizkaia, EUSKALIT and Sisteplant for their encouragement and collaboration in the implementation of this initiative.

References

1. Agrawal, A., Schaefer, S. and Funke, T. Incorporating industry 4.0 in corporate strategy. 2018. ISBN 9781522534693.
2. Schallock, B., Rybski, C., Jochem, R. and Kohl, H. “Learning Factory for Industry 4.0 to provide future skills beyond technical training”. In : Procedia Manufacturing. 2018. p. 27–32.
3. Hewitt-Dundas, N. “The role of proximity in university-business cooperation for innovation”. Journal of Technology Transfer. 2013. Vol.38, no.2, p.93–115. doi:10.1007/s10961-011-9229-4.
4. González-Varona, J. M., López-Paredes, A., Poza, D. and Acebes, F. “Building and development of an organizational competence for digital transformation in SMEs”. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management. 2021. doi:10.3926/jiem.3279.