The European Union's economic governance transformation not only reflects a broader conception of innovation and sustainability but, crucially, also brings the European workplace into focus.

Industry 5.0 places emphasis on human-centricity: the idea that work and technology must be designed with human needs, values, and capabilities at the forefront.

European industry's competitive model cannot and should not rely on low-wage labour, nor is full automation a viable escape route.

At the Smart Production Lab of FH JOANNEUM in Kapfenberg, Austria, an important step was taken towards its transformation into an Industry 5.0 lighthouse, with a focus on human-centric, sustainable and resilient manufacturing.