Challenges and Opportunities Based on Industry 4.0 Policies in Brazil, India, Japan and Sweden

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4301/S1807-1775202522008

Keywords:

society 5.0, production2030, made in India, Industry 4.0/5.0, engineering higher education policy, cross-national

Abstract

Abstract

Policies influence countries' economic sectors, such as the industrial sector. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) demands employees upskilling and can impact unemployment and HIE curricula.  The paper proposes to bring forth, analyse engineering education related to I4.0 policies. The paper compares policies related to Workers 5.0 discussing education and training for both regular students and employees (white and blue collars), from polar cases representing emerging countries (Brazil & India), and developed countries (Japan and Sweden). These countries have created policies to become independent and improve their innovation ecosystem. The I4.0 literature and white paper indicate different country-specificities. The paper explores research gaps related to I4.0 and its effect on workers’ competencies;  which factors to consider in Human Resource Management; understanding impacts on country education. Comparing how these different countries adjust to I4.0 may contribute to manufacturing sectors addressing this new digital context, contributing to theoretical advancement and informing policy and practice in higher education. The findings indicate education and upskilling concerns, and these countries are reviewing their Engineering Education towards increased digital transformation in the whole society.

Author Biographies

Jorge Muniz Jr, UNESP Universidade do Estado de Sao Paulo , Sao Paulo, Brazil

Jorge Muniz Jr. is Full Professor at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Visiting Professor at the University of Birmingham (UK, 2022-2023), Associate Editor of Production Journal (2018-). He has a PhD in Engineering at UNESP (Production Engineering), with thesis awarded by the Brazilian Association of Production Engineering (ABEPRO) related to Worker Knowledge Management, and a Master's at USP (Production Engineering), with dissertation distinction related to Concurrent Engineering at Embraer. Additionally, he was an executive at the Ford Motor company. He currently works in the international research group: Social Systems and Future Manufacturing with Industry 4.0/5.0 and Knowledge Management in Production Systems.

Kristina M. Eriksson, University West , Trollhättan, Sweden

Associate professor in production systems, at University West, focusing on teaching and research in production logistics, supply chain management, simulation of production flows and industrial work-integrated learning. Currently working part time as an adjunct lecturer for an industry organization, Södra Skogsägarna, and there driving innovation projects on novel technologies and simulation. From a production technology background and acknowledge the importance of inter- and transdisciplinary research. In recent years, research has been conducted within the framework of production with contributions in logistics, sustainable manufacturing, lifelong learning, and industrial digitalization. Use a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, e.g., simulation techniques, interviews, focus groups and case studies. Characteristically, focus on applied research and is driven by working jointly in co-production with companies and organizations going through change. Substantial experience and educational and research interest in both production technology and work-integrated learning. Also, long term experience of developing and introducing novel flexible e-learning concepts for competence development in collaboration between industry and academia, as well as developing academic processes in relation to such higher education.

Shotaro Yagi, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Project Manager, Lecturer, PhD. Candidate at University of Tokyo
He has supported project leaders  handle complex projects in various industries, such as Healthcare × AI dev project, corporate-wide DX projects, CRM projects, Global Hackathon, International Government × space/pharma industry collaborations.

Sudha Ramasamy, University West , Trollhättan, Sweden

Docent / Associate Professor in Automation
Organization
Staff member at Division of Industrial automation.
Research area
Conducts research in engineering and technology, production technology.

Mikael Ericsson, University West , Trollhättan, Sweden

Senior Lecturer 
Organization
Staff member at Division of Industrial automation.
Research area
Conducts research in engineering and technology, production technology.

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Muniz Jr, J., Eriksson, K. M., Yagi, S., Ramasamy, S., & Ericsson, M. (2025). Challenges and Opportunities Based on Industry 4.0 Policies in Brazil, India, Japan and Sweden. Journal of Information Systems and Technology Management, 22. https://doi.org/10.4301/S1807-1775202522008

Issue

Vol. 22 (2025)

Section

Articles

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