The emergence of Industry 5.0 marks a shift from the automation-driven focus of Industry 4.0 toward a more human-centric, sustainable, and resilient industrial paradigm. This study explores the pivotal role of the human factor in shaping this transition, emphasizing the need for policies and business models that balance technological innovation with human well-being, economic stability, and environmental responsibility. A Society 5.0 policy framework is proposed, structured around six key pillars, to ensure that advancements in Artificial General Intelligence, automation, and digital transformation align with societal values. This framework safeguards labor markets, supports local economies, and mitigates the risks of excessive technological dominance over human decision-making. Complementing this, a Sustainable Business Model for Industry 5.0 is introduced, integrating circular economy principles, market-specific regulatory mechanisms, and a balanced economic structure that fosters collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations, and global markets. This paper also provides ten main reasons and explanations why human factors have a very important role in the sustainable business model of Industry 5.0. The findings of this research highlight the urgent need for strategic policies that sustain economic competitiveness while preserving human control over technology. The study provides actionable recommendations for business leaders, policymakers, and researchers, offering a blueprint for transitioning toward an industrial ecosystem where technological progress enhances human and environmental prosperity rather than undermining it.
Žunjić et al. (Wed,) studied this question.