Introduction
Society 5.0 is a new social paradigm, which implies the total spread of IoT and the use of Big Data. Technologies of handling substantial data arrays and AI for parallel evolution of the economy and solving various social problems. The Society 5.0 strategy was presented in March 2017 at CeBIT in Hanover by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Author, 2022). Thus, it is essential to explain why Japan needs Society 5.0 to achieve its sustainable development goals.
The Importance of the “Society 5.0” Concept
Japan is developing dimensions of digitalization, especially in specific institutions and sections of society, into a comprehensive national transition strategy, policymaking, and eventual vision. Meanwhile, the evolution is occurring internationally and contributes to the achievement of SDGs. Industry 5.0 was negotiated in 2020 in a range of panels by members from research and technology institutions (Author, 2022). There was agreement on the necessity of incorporating social and environmental European concerns into technological investment and changing the focus from separate technologies to a systemic vision. Accordingly, the joint efforts of Japan and other states contribute to the immediate benefits of a phase of progress.
The new role of the industry employee in Industry 5.0 is significantly changing. The workforce is considered not as a “price” but as an “investment” position for the company, enabling the organization and the employee to advance (Author, 2022). This means that the employer is interested in investing in its staff’s skills, abilities, and well-being to achieve their objectives. This approach is quite different from balancing labor costs with financial returns: human capital is more respected and valued. An essential premise of Industry 5.0 is that technology serves people rather than the opposite (Author, 2022). In an industrial context, this implies that the technology used in production is adapted to the needs and diversity of industrial workers instead of constantly adjusting to ever-evolving technology. The worker should have more options, and the work environment should become more inclusive (Author, 2022). To achieve this, workers have to actively participate in developing and adopting new industrial technologies, including robotics and AI.
Significantly, Industry 5.0 contributes to the economic efficiency of enterprises in a way that addresses the needs and desires of workers and is environmentally sustainable. This makes it appealing to businessmen, potential investments, and clients, who can profit from more marketable products in the most meaningful sense (Author, 2022). Hence, the new concept is highly advantageous to stakeholders, which enhances the incentives for its promotion and, consequently, the implementation of sustainable development aims.
Conclusion
Therefore, Industry 5.0 is a shift in emphasis from technological progress to an entirely human-centered approach. The industry also needs to consider social constraints, endeavoring not to leave anyone behind. This has many implications concerning a safe and supportive work environment, respect for human rights, and skill requirements for workers. At the same time, stakeholders benefit if Industry 5.0 achieves its sustainability goals. This is because they will then be able to reduce costs and obtain competitive products presented globally.
Reference
Author. (2022). Goal 12 responsible consumption and production goal 13 climate action [PowerPoint slides].