Industrie 5.0 - Die Europäische Kommission auf den Spuren der nächsten industriellen Revolution?

Obgleich die Umsetzungsgeschwindigkeit und das Wissen zu Industrie 4.0 in den vergangenen Jahren merklich zugenommen haben, stehen viele Entscheidungsträger weiterhin vor wesentlichen Herausforderungen bei der Implementierung von Industrie 4.0-Technologien. Hohe Investitionen stehen unklaren Performance-Steigerungen gegenüber, es gibt noch immer kein allgemeingültiges Verständnis des Begriffs Industrie 4.0 und in vielen Fällen ist die Umsetzung nicht über ein initiales „Industrie 4.0-Leuchtturmprojekt“ in dem jeweiligen Unternehmen hinausgegangen [1]. Inmitten dieser Transformation veröffentlichte die Europäische Kommission im Januar 2021 ein Whitepaper mit dem Titel „Industry 5.0 - Towards a sustainable, human-centric and resilient European industry” [2]. Kündigt sich hier somit bereits die nächste industrielle Revolution an? Dieser Beitrag erläutert den Begriff „Industrie 5.0“ in Bezug auf den Beitrag der Europäischen Kommission, die Verbindung mit aktuellen Industrie 4.0-Initiativen und zeigt dadurch Optionen für die Zukunft der industriellen Produktion auf.

Synthesis and characterization of biopolyols through biomass liquefaction of wood shavings and their application in the preparation of polyurethane wood composites

The sustainability of production systems in wood processing, wood industry, and wooden waste disposal is an important issue for European industry and society. Proper development of products based on renewable wood resources gives an opportunity to provide materials with long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This study aims to establish a new way of forestry and agricultural waste materials utilization by synthesis of bio-based polyols and manufacturing of polyurethane wood composites (PU-WC). The first part of this paper describes the liquefaction of wood shavings at a temperature of 150 °C for 6 h in three different solvents—glycerol, poly (ethylene glycol) and their mixture in a 1:1 ratio. The second part deals with the synthesis of polyurethane (PU) resins containing 90% of biopolyol. Eight sets of materials with different NCO:OH ratios were obtained in a one-step method using a hydraulic press. These materials were characterized, and the material with the most promising properties was selected for polyurethane wood composites production. Composites with 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% of wood shavings were obtained. The addition of filler caused an increase in flexural strength, Young`s modulus, hardness, and impact strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed good adhesion between the polymer and the filler. The optimum filler content is between 50 and 60% by weight of the composite. The presented study provides a significant step toward a greener alternative for materials produced mainly from non-renewable resources.

A policy response to workplace innovation for the rail sector

The rail sector is a sector with a significant impact on European industry and it is therefore important that it follows the current innovative trends. We live in an increasingly digitised society but, until now, digitisation has not been a priority issue for the sector as the rules that apply to the entire value chain have hindered the digitisation process. Even so, technologies are not enough, and innovation must be implemented in companies at the organisational and employee level. The RailActivation project has experimented with workplace innovation to foster innovation capabilities in the railway sector, providing elements for companies to remain as innovative and competitive as possible, as well as to have additional tools to adapt to these challenges. In order to help in this process, this article proposes a series of recommendations based on the lessons learnt during the implementation of the project. These recommendations establish a link between policy and workplace innovation practices and could be a reference framework for further research and policy. The suggested policy recommendations are focused on companies and policy makers and are based on the results obtained from the different consultations with the stakeholders involved in this research.

A policy response to workplace innovation for the rail sector

The rail sector is a sector with a significant impact on European industry and it is therefore important that it follows the current innovative trends. We live in an increasingly digitised society but, until now, digitisation has not been a priority issue for the sector as the rules that apply to the entire value chain have hindered the digitisation process. Even so, technologies are not enough, and innovation must be implemented in companies at the organisational and employee level. The RailActivation project has experimented with workplace innovation to foster innovation capabilities in the railway sector, providing elements for companies to remain as innovative and competitive as possible, as well as to have additional tools to adapt to these challenges. In order to help in this process, this article proposes a series of recommendations based on the lessons learnt during the implementation of the project. These recommendations establish a link between policy and workplace innovation practices and could be a reference framework for further research and policy. The suggested policy recommendations are focused on companies and policy makers and are based on the results obtained from the different consultations with the stakeholders involved in this research.

Fit for 55 could weaken EU industrial competitiveness

Significance Further strengthening of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), combined with phasing out free allocations and introducing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), looks likely to expose European industry to upward cost pressures at a time when they need capital to invest in emergent low-carbon industrial processes. Impacts 'Carbon leakage' remains a big concern: while relocation usually has multiple motivations, it may well increase as EU carbon costs rise. Supply chain pressures look likely to push costs up both for EU industry and the renewables sector. Major investment opportunities exist in the areas of renewable energy and alternative fuels infrastructure.

Does the New Industrial Strategy for Europe Follow the Path of the Concept of Industry 4.0?

The concept of Industry 4.0 turns 10 years old in 2021. This milestone calls for renewed inquiries to review the current efforts of the European Union (EU) and its Member States towards the modernisation of European industry. In 2018, the European Commission published the Digital Transformation Scoreboard 2018: EU businesses go digital: Opportunities, outcomes and uptake, which reports on the readiness for the digital revolution focused on building an economy in line with the concept of Industry 4.0 at three levels: European, national, and business. This study shows how much still remains to be done. At the same time, it identifies some of the key elements contributing to the success in this area, i.e., the digitisation of machines, Big Data, robotics and artificial intelligence, which represent the very essence of the idea of revolution 4.0. The aim of the paper is to determine the extent to which the new strategy for industry proposed by the European Commission in 2020 follows the concept of Industry 4.0. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. Statistical analysis was used to demonstrate the importance of industry in the economy of the European Union between 1998 and 2019 in terms of the share in the added value created and the significance for the labour market. The descriptive methods used include a review of the literature and research on the concept of Industry 4.0 and an analysis of the latest strategic documents of the European Commission (EC) in relation to industrial policy.

Technodata and the Need of a Responsible Industry 4.0

The great transformation that will face European industry is driven by the need of digitizing the entire value chain around manufacturing for creating competitive advantages to maintain a dominant position in the global economy. This new paradigm is commonly known as Industry 4.0, and it has a significant policy support from the European Commission as well as different member states. However, this transition is full of uncertainties as the digitization of industry creates different concerns about employment, privacy, labor rights, and other issues related with this technological revolution. In this chapter, the authors trace back the origins of Industry 4.0 to the Web 2.0 phenomenon as well as they reflect upon the role of technodata and technofactories in a postindustrial society. Finally, they stress the need to reflect about developing a responsible digitization of industry that will consider societal concerns.