Industry 5.0: analyzing the challenges in implementation using grey influence analysis

Purpose The author explores the challenges to implementation of Industry 5.0 in the manufacturing sector, considering the developing economy context and studying the causal relationships among factors using an advanced causal modelling technique, the Grey Influence Analysis (GINA). The challenges were further classified based on importance and their influencing power. Design/methodology/approach The author uses the novel causal modelling technique of GINA to study and understand the influence relations among the challenges to implementation of Industry 5.0. Findings Based on the results from the expert response-based study in the Indian manufacturing industry, it is seen that the Regulatory challenges (RGC) appear to be the most important challenge that needs to be tackled first, while implementing Industry 5.0. Integration with existing systems and Ethical challenges (ETC) emerge as the second and third most important in the category of challenges, as per the results from the GINA analysis. Research limitations/implications The RGC and the ETC need to be addressed prior to implementation and it is necessary to check whether the technologies comply with regulations and whether it creates serious job displacements. While implementation, the challenges with integration to existing systems can be appropriately tackled. Practical implications As a practical implication of the study, the author suggests that a proactive and reactive approach can be adopted to implement the Industry 5.0 concepts to reality. The RGC can be viewed for the adoption of technology, integration challenges can be viewed by understanding the existing systems, and ETC can be addressed by understanding the workforce in combination with technologies. Originality/value The shift in focus on sustainability and resilience has transformed the conventional industries to think beyond efficiency and productivity, toward being more responsible to society. The study analyzes the challenges to implementation of Industry 5.0 and the causal relations among them considering an expert response-based study.