Balancing Industry 4.0 With Sustainability: Human-Centric Approach

Abstract

This chapter examines the integration of Industry 4.0 (IR 4.0) technologies and sustainability, proposing a people-centric strategy to align industrial progress with environmental responsibility. Through a synthesis of scholarly insights and practical applications, we delve into the potential of Industry 4.0 to drive economic, social, legal, and environmental sustainability while addressing key challenges and limitations. Acknowledging these obstacles associated with IR 4.0 implementation, including employment displacement and data security risks, we advocate for collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and society, highlighting the imperative of optimizing the advantages conferred by IR 4.0 while mitigating its adverse effects on sustainability. It calls for strategic investments in education, innovation, and social protection mechanisms to navigate this transition while ensuring equitable and sustainable development for all stakeholders. As these technologies intertwine, it becomes increasingly crucial to establish regulatory frameworks that can endorse the “rule of law” in this ever-evolving legal landscape. Ensuring fairness and effectiveness in regulation is key to navigating this emergent reality. Through fostering synergistic partnerships, embracing sustainable methodologies, and ensuring that the promise of IR 4.0 is realized without sacrificing the fundamental principles of fairness, justice, and human rights, we can envision a future where innovation thrives in harmony with sustainability principles, paving the way for inclusive prosperity.

Citation

Arora, S., Kumar, D. and Gulati, P. (2024), "Balancing Industry 4.0 With Sustainability: Human-Centric Approach", Mathiyazhagan, K., Kishore, A., Behdani, B. and Thanki, H. (Ed.) Impact of Industry 4.0 on Supply Chain Sustainability, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 15-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-777-220241002