Abstract:

While Industry 4.0 was primarily focused on the integration of cyber–physical systems, automation, and data-driven technologies, it has often been criticized for its strong technological determinism and insufficient attention to human and environmental dimensions. As a response, Industry 5.0 emerged, positioning human-centricity, sustainability, and resilience as the three main pillars of the next stage of industrial transformation. This paradigm shift reflects a growing recognition that technological innovation should not only enhance efficiency but also support ecological responsibility and societal well-being, while addressing vulnerabilities exposed by global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on this foundation, Industry 6.0 is increasingly discussed in the academic literature as the next stage of evolution, moving beyond human–machine collaboration toward a vision of human–machine symbiosis within autonomous, hyper-connected, and adaptive ecosystems. Industry 6.0 expands the scope of industrial transformation beyond manufacturing, incorporating healthcare, education, and urban development, and is often associated with advanced technologies such as generative artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and decentralized autonomous systems. Within this context, the development of future skills emerges as a critical factor, ensuring that workers and organizations can navigate technological complexity while safeguarding sustainable, ethical, and human-oriented industrial progress.