Human centric innovation at the heart of industry 5.0 – exploring research challenges and opportunities

This study advances the understanding of Industry 5.0 by exploring its conceptualisation through the lens of production and operations management, emphasising the integration of human roles throughout industrial evolution. Addressing a critical gap in the literature, we highlight the impact of human involvement in technological innovation and examine previously unexplored human experiences in Industry 5.0. We differentiate between human-centric AI and industry AI, identifying technologies that drive both Industry 4.0 and 5.0, and propose emerging research opportunities around sustainability, resilience, and human-centricity. Additionally, we analyze the global need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce, emphasising key challenges in both developed and developing economies. Our study also identifies major barriers to the transition to Industry 5.0, offering strategies to enhance human-centricity by aligning technological advancements with human values. Ultimately, this research paves the way for a deeper understanding of Industry 5.0, advocating for a future where technology and humanity co-evolve harmoniously.