What is 4IR or Industry 4.0, and how will it impact Learning Development?

Abstract

Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is quickly changing the world with a shift towards automation and digital technology, most notably, for example, the large impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Organisations such as the World Economic Forum (2024), McKinsey and Company (2022) and Skills Development Scotland (2018), believe that Industry 4.0 will change the way we work and live, with implications for everyone. These organisations argue that we need to become lifelong learners and develop ‘future-ready skills’, particularly adaptability, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving. Despite the predicted large changes Industry 4.0 will bring, there is little conversation about it in the higher education sector beyond the immediate impact of using AI. This paper aimed to raise awareness of Industry 4.0, and the potential challenges and opportunities it brings, focusing on the implications for Learning Development.

Inspired by conversations and questions during a mini-keynote at ALDCon 2024, this paper briefly explored what Industry 4.0 is, concentrating on the potential changes within higher education and human-centred outcomes. Moreover, it explored the implications for students, looking at both their student experience but also their transition to the workplace. Specifically, it explored the following implications:

• Navigating multiple (and increasingly unknown) futures.
• Understanding and preparing for digital disruption both during their studies and future employment.
• Maintaining agency and autonomy during their studies in an increasingly automated system.

Finally, the paper focussed on the implications for Learning Development and those who work in this area. Specifically, it explored the following implications:

• How ‘future-ready skills’ can be integrated into curriculum and co-curriculum activities.
• The need for student-centred skills development and how this can be implemented.

The paper questioned how and if our roles will change and secondly what (if any) changes we should make to support learners at our institutions. Overall, this paper hoped to inform on the key aspects of Industry 4.0, the possible effect on Learning Development and facilitate discussion on the topic.