Although the concept of Industry 5.0 is still relatively new, there is growing interest in this development direction in Poland – both from manufacturing companies and public institutions. Implementations are still fragmented, but educational, financial, and legislative initiatives indicate that Poland is actively preparing for a new era of human–technology collaboration.
State of Industry 5.0 Implementations in Poland Reports and analyses published by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) indicate that many Polish companies are still in the stage of Industry 3.0 or are implementing individual solutions from Industry 4.0. At the same time, an increasing number of enterprises recognize the potential of a model based on personalization, sustainability, and technologies that support the worker. Industry 5.0 is viewed as a strategic direction for modernizing production in the coming years.
Government Initiatives and Support for Digitization State institutions support entrepreneurs in digital transformation through various programs, including: • Initiatives under the European Funds for a Modern Economy, • PARP initiatives such as “Automation and Robotics in SMEs” or “Industry 4.0 – Enhancing Transformational Potential,” • Support from the Ministry of Development and Technology, which promotes digitization in line with the Green Deal and ESG transformation. Although official support programs under the name “Industry 5.0” are not yet widespread, the direction of action indicates that human-centric technologies will be increasingly integrated into the nation's industrial policy.
Examples of Polish Companies Implementing Industry 5.0 Solutions In Poland, several companies can already be cited as practically implementing the principles of Industry 5.0: • Manufacturers that use cobots in assembly and packaging to improve ergonomics and workplace safety, • Plants deploying digital twins and AR for design and technical training, • Companies in the food and chemical industries that optimize energy consumption and minimize production waste based on data from IoT and AI. Although full-scale implementations are still in development, the direction is clear – modern production in Poland is moving toward a more sustainable and personalized future where technology works for people.
The Future of Industry 5.0
Industry 5.0 is not merely a transitional stage between digitization and automation – it is the foundation of a future economic model where technologies evolve not only for efficiency but also with a focus on human well-being and the planet. National and European forecasts clearly indicate that the fifth industrial revolution will accelerate in the coming years, affecting both technology and work culture.
Development of Technologies Supporting Industry 5.0 In the coming decade, we can expect rapid advancements in solutions such as: • Next-generation cobots, even more flexible and capable of real-time learning, • AI that supports creativity and decision-making, not solely automation, • Systems that enhance employee well-being, including smart work environments that respond to fatigue or stress levels, • Eco-friendly solutions for managing energy, CO₂ emissions, and material recovery. These technologies will enable the creation of the factories of the future, where humans are not controlled by machines, but work alongside them on equal, collaborative terms.
Impact on the Labor Market and Required Competencies Technological changes go hand in hand with the transformation of professional roles. Industry 5.0 does not mean mass job eliminations but rather a change in the nature of work. Instead of performing simple, repetitive tasks, employees will increasingly take on creative, coordinative, and analytical functions. Essential competencies will include: • The ability to collaborate with technology (e.g., operating cobots), • Data literacy and basic analytical skills, • Cognitive flexibility, adaptability, and continuous learning, • Designing processes and solving interdisciplinary problems. Already, PARP and other institutions support projects that enhance qualifications in the area of the industry of the future, which is becoming a necessity in the evolving work environment.
Directions for Further Digitization and Automation In the long term, digitization will extend beyond production halls and include: • Management of the entire product lifecycle, from design to recycling, • Integration with the consumer market – end-user data will directly influence production lines, • Automation of business decisions using AI and market forecasting, • Transformation of supply chains through blockchain and smart contracts. Industry 5.0 is not only a new production model – it is a step toward a mature, resilient, and responsible economy, where humans and technology create value together.
Industry 5.0 is a Change…!
Industry 5.0 is not just another technological trend; it represents a fundamental shift in the approach to production, work organization, and resource management. Moving away from a model based solely on automation and digitization, companies are entering an era in which humans regain the central role and technology becomes an ally – not a competitor.
The fourth industrial revolution laid the groundwork for smart production, but it is Industry 5.0 that offers the opportunity to build work environments that are more flexible, friendly, personalized, and sustainable. Collaborative robots, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and green technologies – these elements are already creating a space where people and machines generate value together.
In the face of global challenges, rising consumer expectations, and demographic changes, companies that choose to implement Industry 5.0 solutions not only gain a technological edge but also build a reputation as responsible, innovative, and future-oriented organizations.
Now is the best moment to rethink your transformation strategy and seize the opportunities offered by Industry 5.0 – for the benefit of both business and people.
Did you know that...
In Poland, there are programs and initiatives supporting automation, robotics, and digitalization of enterprises that align with the assumptions of Industry 5.0. One example is the “Automation and Robotics in SMEs” initiative coordinated by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP), aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the macroregion of Eastern Poland. Companies can receive up to PLN 3 million in funding for investments in automation and robotics of production or service processes. The application period for this program ended on September 26, 2023 — source: PARP.
The National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) runs calls under the “SMART Path” program, which aims to support R&D and implementation projects. The budget for large enterprises is PLN 890 million, and the maximum funding per project is PLN 70 million — more information available via a link on golv.pl.
As the concept of Industry 5.0 continues to evolve in Poland, dedicated support programs and more detailed data on submitted applications and awarded funds are expected to be published.
If you have an idea and are looking for support — contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Industry 5.0 and what are its main principles? Industry 5.0 is an evolutionary concept of industrial development that emphasizes collaboration between humans and intelligent machines. Its key principles include personalized production, sustainable development, and the integration of advanced technologies such as collaborative robots (cobots), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to support human roles in production processes.
What are the key differences between Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0? Industry 4.0 focuses on automating and digitizing production processes, whereas Industry 5.0 puts people at the center, promoting harmonious collaboration between humans and machines as well as product and service personalization.
What technologies are essential for implementing Industry 5.0? Key technologies include collaborative robots (cobots), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and sustainable technologies that minimize energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Are there support programs available in Poland for companies implementing Industry 5.0 solutions? Currently, there are no programs dedicated exclusively to Industry 5.0. However, initiatives supporting automation and robotics — such as those offered by PARP or the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) — may cover projects aligned with Industry 5.0 principles.
What are the benefits of implementing Industry 5.0 in my company? Implementing Industry 5.0 can increase production efficiency and flexibility, improve employee satisfaction and safety, reduce environmental impact through eco-friendly technologies, and allow for rapid adaptation to changing market demands.
What challenges might arise during the implementation of Industry 5.0? Challenges include high investment costs in new technologies, the need for a skilled workforce, data security concerns, integration of new technologies with existing systems, and change management, including employee resistance to new solutions.
Where can I find more information about Industry 5.0 and available support mechanisms? It is recommended to follow official announcements and publications on the websites of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (parp.gov.pl) and the National Centre for Research and Development (gov.pl/web/ncbr), where up-to-date information about Industry 5.0 and related support programs may be published.
Please note: Industry 5.0 is still an emerging concept, so it’s worth regularly checking official sources for the most current updates.
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