A Framework for New Workforce Skills in the Era of Industry 4.0

Abstract

Radical changes and developments resulting from global connectivity, automation, and technological innovations due to Industry 4.0 create different job demands for businesses. This requirement enforces human resource managers to rethink the acquisition and application of different skills in recruitment and other human resources functions considered essential for today’s workforce. This paper aims to propose a framework identifying the skill set required for personnel selection in the era of Industry 4.0, and provide a roadmap for human resources managers by analyzing the importance of different skill categories. Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (ANP) was used to compute the factors’ weights. Project Management skill was found as the most important factor, followed by Financial Management, Technology-based Skills, Digital Literacy, Literacy, Innovation, and Creativity skills. Discussions and implications are given based on obtained results.

Keywords

• industry 4.0
• fuzzy anp
• human resources management
• human resources functions
• workforce skills