Why embracing Industry 5.0 is a game changer for SMEs

Many of the challenges faced by businesses today are complex, multifaceted and interconnected – requiring a combination of human ingenuity and technological capabilities to solve.

Professor Chris Harrop OBE, Made in Britain Chairman explains that while Industry 4.0 revolutionised production – with the transformative impact of automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) – Industry 5.0 represents a paradigm shift towards a more human-centric, collaborative and sustainable approach to business success.

The European Commission (EC) has described the new industrial age as “defined by a re-found and widened purposefulness, going beyond producing goods and services for profit. This wider purpose constitutes three core elements: human-centricity, sustainability and resilience.’’

“A purely profit-driven approach has become increasingly untenable,” according to EC research. “In a globalised world, a narrow focus on profit fails to account correctly for environmental and societal costs and benefits. For industry to become the provider of true prosperity, the definition of its true purpose must include social, environmental and societal considerations.”

‘A re-found purposefulness’

Industry 5.0 promotes collaborative problem-solving, through which humans and machines complement the other’s abilities to drive progress and growth. It builds on the digital foundations laid by Industry 4.0. While the previous revolution emphasised automation and efficiency, it also sparked concerns about job displacement and the loss of human involvement in production processes.

Industry 5.0 addresses these issues by reintegrating human skills, creativity, and intuition into the industrial equation. This shift is particularly advantageous for SMEs, which often rely on the creativity and flexibility of their workforce to drive innovation.

Human-centric collaboration

One of the defining characteristics of Industry 5.0 is its focus on human-machine collaboration. Unlike previous industrial revolutions that primarily replaced human labour with machines, Industry 5.0 promotes environments where humans and machines work together harmoniously.

This is especially relevant for SMEs, where the close-knit nature of operations and the unique skills of employees are critical assets. By leveraging advanced technologies such as collaborative robots (cobots), augmented reality, and sophisticated human-machine interfaces, SMEs can enhance productivity while maintaining the invaluable human touch that distinguishes their products and services.

The rise of consumer demand for customised products and personalised experiences is another driving force behind Industry 5.0. SMEs are often well-positioned to meet these demands due to their inherent flexibility and close customer relationships.

Tech on tap

Industry 5.0 will empower businesses and other organisations to integrate human creativity with advanced technologies like AI and robotics, enabling them to offer tailored products and services.This ability to provide bespoke solutions not only satisfies modern consumer preferences but also builds stronger, more loyal customer bases.

One of the misconceptions about Industry 5.0 is that it is only applicable to large corporations with vast resources. However, the democratisation of technology means that affordable automation tools and advanced technologies are now accessible to SMEs.

Collaborative robots, AI-powered analytics, and augmented reality systems are no longer prohibitively expensive and can be scaled to fit the needs and budgets of smaller enterprises. This accessibility allows SMEs to implement cutting-edge solutions that enhance their operations and drive innovation without breaking the bank.

Ethical and social value

As automation and AI continue to advance, ethical and social concerns such as job displacement and the erosion of human autonomy become more pronounced. Industry 5.0 addresses these issues head-on by promoting ethical AI practices and ensuring human oversight of automated systems.

In today’s era of heightened environmental awareness, sustainable practices are no longer optional but necessary. Industry 5.0 emphasises the importance of sustainability and responsible resource management, integrating human creativity with technology to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

For SMEs, adopting these sustainable practices can lead to significant competitive advantages, including cost savings from efficient resource use and improved brand image – as well as compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

Adaptability and agility

5.0’s emphasis on human-machine collaboration will create opportunities for those SMEs able to quickly pivot, adopting new technologies and business models. Smaller businesses are often able to respond to changing market conditions and consumer preferences more effectively than their larger, less agile counterparts.

By embracing the principles of human-centric collaboration, customisation, ethical considerations, and sustainability, even the smallest businesses can play a role in driving productivity, innovation and social progress in the age of man and machine. Industry 5.0 offers SMEs the framework they need to innovate, grow and thrive in the digital age.