Searching For Partners: HORIZON-CL4-INDUSTRY-2025-01-HUMAN-65

My research focuses on the intersection of digital transformation, organisational learning, and the emerging Industry 5.0 (I5.0) paradigm. I explore how companies can develop new capabilities to manage systemic transformation, particularly by using lighthouse projects as vehicles for learning and for creating new ways of working aligned with the I5.0 paradigm. My work contributes directly to Horizon Europe's goals of enabling human-centric, resilient, and sustainable industrial ecosystems.

Research Avenues and Area of Expertise:

·      I5.0 System Innovation: As a member of the European Commission's I5.0 Community of Practice (CoP 5.0), I have actively contributed to shaping the working group recommendations that will inform future I5.0 initiatives and the Horizon call.

·      Understanding IX.0 Paradigm Shifts: In my AMCIS 2024 publication, I developed a conceptual framework explaining how industrial organisations manage and transition from Industry 3.0 to 4.0 to 5.0, based on organisational learning theory. The framework highlights the roles of first- and second-order learning in evolving within or revolving beyond existing technological and organisational paradigms​.

·      Designing Lighthouse Projects with BIG: I am conducting a longitudinal Action Design Research (ADR) study with Beaulieu International Group (BIG), a multinational Belgian manufacturer, to design meta-requirements, design goals, and design principles for designing I5.0 lighthouse projects. This study involves running structured batches of I5.0-oriented digital transformation projects, with six projects completed thus far, to build new organisational learning capabilities and systemic innovation pathways. The findings from this study are expected to be published in 2026.

·      Documenting Lighthouse Factories with Schneider Electric: I am conducting a case study with Schneider Electric (SE) focused on their Lighthouse Factories, recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as global leaders in I4.0 transformation and sustainability. This research examines how SE’s factories are evolving towards greater human-centricity to operationalise the shift towards I5.0 principles, with publication also targeted for 2026.

·      Related Research Contribution: I have completed an Integrative Literature Review (ILR), currently under review with Technology in Society, titled "From a Literature Review to a Conceptual Framework for Organisations and Management Transitioning Towards I5.0."
This ILR synthesises 113 peer-reviewed studies to build the first holistic conceptual framework interpreting IX.0 paradigm shifts (I3.0, I4.0, and I5.0) through an organisational learning lens. The framework identifies the mechanisms driving each paradigm and outlines strategies and new capabilities needed for organisations to transition successfully towards I5.0. The ILR directly supports Horizon Europe's objectives by documenting the systemic transformation of industrial ecosystems through organisational learning, resilience-building, and human-centric innovation.

Potential Contribution to Horizon Europe:

·      I bring hands-on expertise in designing system innovation experiments that directly address the Horizon call’s emphasis on organisational learning capacities, skills development, and _systemic transformation_​.

·      I integrate Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) perspectives, particularly systems thinking, organisational learning, and paradigm shift theory, which are critical for building experimentation frameworks.

·      As a member of the CoP 5.0 and contributor to its recommendations, I have a strong knowledge base and practical insights into European priorities and directions for I5.0 transformation, ensuring strong alignment with Horizon Europe objectives.

By combining a rigorous conceptual understanding of systemic transformation with practical experience in lighthouse experimentation, active involvement in shaping European I5.0 strategies, and hands-on collaboration with leading industrial partners, I am well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Horizon Europe’s I5.0 innovation goals.