THE EVOLUTION OF INDUSTRY 4.0 AND ITS POTENTIAL IMPACT ON INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

ABSTRACT

The paper analyses both technical (hardware and software) and managerial elements (management and enterprise culture) of Industry 4.0 related to their potential impact on Industrial Engineering and Management Education in particular, as Industrial Engineering and Management programs are tied up to the industry in a stronger way and are thus more sensitive to innovative changes in the industry. The paper also offers a case study by authors in various European countries, during the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, by questioning two professional categories of particular interest to the field of analysis: teachers and students. It also analyzes their position on the inclusion of the Industry 4.0 element in IEM engineering programs in both the technical and management fields, concerning the hardware, software, management and organizational culture elements.