Insights from the BRIDGES 5.0 / EUWIN Webinar on 31st October 2025

The European Social Model and Industry 5.0

Steven Dhondt’s presentation highlighted the transition from the Washington Consensus—characterised by neoliberal policies, deregulation, and minimal state intervention—to what is now being called the London Consensus. This new paradigm emphasises well-being, inclusivity, sustainability, and a more active role for the state in shaping economic and social outcomes.

What does reimagining the European workplace mean? Industry 5.0 sets new values for production, focusing on human-centricity, sustainability, and resilience. Companies are encouraged to move beyond traditional business cases and embrace broader societal benefits. Dhondt cited examples such as Schneider Electric and Danone, which have demonstrated tangible benefits from adopting Industry 5.0 principles, including increased profitability, market reputation, and resilience.

The Business Case for Human-Centric Innovation

A recurring theme was the need to convince managers and policymakers of the value of Industry 5.0. While the financial benefits are clear—higher share prices, lower costs, and greater attractiveness in the labour market—there remains a deep-seated preference for shareholder value. Overcoming this requires not just economic arguments but also policy interventions and social innovation.

Dhondt emphasised the importance of instruments like Training Factory 5.0 and Learning Factory 5.0, which foster collaboration between companies and educational institutions to develop human-centric technologies and practices. These interventions have generated enthusiasm and demonstrated that technological advancements can be aligned with human values.

Policy Challenges and the Role of the State

The webinar underscored the need for smarter, more coherent regulation. Participants discussed the importance of moving beyond mere quantity of regulation to focus on quality and effectiveness. The state’s role as an insurer of last resort and an active participant in industrial policy was highlighted as essential for supporting companies in their transition to Industry 5.0.

Dhondt and other speakers called for long-term developmental programmes and major investments to scale successful experiments and interventions. The challenge is to create ecosystems that uplift and support innovation while eliminating managerial resistance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Global Perspectives and Social Innovation

The discussion extended to the global context, with evidence showing that socially focused company practices yield positive results not only in Europe but also in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and India. The upcoming publication from the GINI project will further explore these global perspectives. Social innovation was identified as a key driver for major societal changes. The need to elevate people’s awareness through knowledge and participation was stressed, especially in the face of technological disruption. Empowering workers to engage with AI and new technologies can lead to better outcomes and more inclusive workplaces.