Global value chains and innovation networks in the fourth industrial era
The successful implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) within the European Union (EU) should build upon existing global innovation networks (GINs) and global value chains (GVCs) and the ecosystem of EU firms, especially in the manufacturing industry where I4.0 could play an important role.
For the EU, which has a large share of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are key to competitiveness in its main sectors, it is vital to integrate SMEs into I4.0 by ensuring they benefit from their efforts in implementing it, in order to capture, create and offer value.
It is important to address training, requalification and workers’ concerns about I4.0 in order to support its implementation while maintaining the EU social model.
Harnessing the EU’s strength in industrial application, while bearing in mind its lag in traditional ICT industries, could make I4.0 a viable policy option ensuring future leadership of the European economy, if certain factors discussed in this policy brief are included in future industrial policies.
MÜLLER Julian M.;
POTTERS Lesley;
RENTOCCHINI Francesco;
TUEBKE Alexander;
2021-08-25
European Commission
JRC124742
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