Competences and Skills of SMEs for Industry 4.0 - Case Studies of Selected European Initiatives

Abstract

Purpose – SMEs tend to have an intuitive approach when it comes to management, which means that, contrary to bigger companies, they frequently lack sufficient competences and expertise needed to implement the Industry 4.0 concept. The article identifies and analyses case studies of selected state-funded European initiatives (from Poland, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and Finland), which help SMEs prepare for the implementation of Industry 4.0 through the acquisition of adequate competences and skills. Research method – With the use of the case study method, the author has performed the analysis of selected national public initiatives focused on the development of compe-tences and skills of enterprises needed to implement the Industry 4.0 concept. The initiatives were deeply analysed during the implementation of the Interreg Europe SMARTY project (Smart SMEs for Industry 4.0).Results – Based on the results of the case study analysis performed, the author identifies competences and skills SMEs need to successfully implement Industry 4.0. Originality / value / implications / recommendations – The competences and skills identified as part of the case study analysis seem to be required for effective implementation of the Indus-try 4.0 concept in SMEs and they could also serve as recommendations for policy makers as regards the development and organisation of Industry 4.0-related training courses for SMEs.