Advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics and big data and analytics will have on Ireland’s economy and manufacturing base by transforming manufacturing value chains, supply chains and business models, redefining sources of competitive advantage.
Digitalisation of manufacturing sector is a key priority over 2020-25 using technologies such as cloud computing; IoT; automation and autonomous systems; robotics; artificial intelligence; machine learning; augmented/virtual reality; blockchain; big data; and additive manufacturing.
Irelands manufacturing sector employees 227,000 people who can embrace Industry 4.0 by incorporating data analysis and prediction services to enhance product based businesses. However, digitalisation will impact employment by reshaping the skills needed by workers of the future causing disruptions
in the labour market. Additionally, process innovation will be required to deliver efficient and flexible production processes.
This presents a series of challenge for many organizations such as: investing in RD&I (Research, Development and Innovation), availability of technology expertise, interoperability and standards; workforce skills and finally implementation & integration costs.
Ireland’s Industry 4.0 Strategy Goals are:
- To stimulate firms to adopt and build capability in Industry 4.0 technologies.
- To stimulate firms to harness the new opportunities enabled by Industry 4.0 technologies.
- To become a global leader in RD&I which underpins Industry 4.0.
- To facilitate the current and future workforce to develop the skills to deliver the Industry 4.0 transformation and exploit the new opportunities arising in manufacturing and supply chain firms
Industry 4.0 technologies. - To establish a world class business environment for Industry 4.0 which is underpinned by an appropriate regulatory, legal, standards, and internationally connected ecosystem.
The strategy has been structured around six themes:
- Future Manufacturing Ireland
- Awareness and Understanding of Concepts
- Exploring and Planning
- Implementation of Firm Level Industry 4.0 Strategies
- Framework Conditions
- Implementation of Ireland’s National Industry 4.0 Strategy
To learn more about these opportunities and Ireland’s Industry 4.0 Strategy 2020-2025, click here.
