A Human-Centered Competency Framework for Industry 5.0 Transformation in Manufacturing SMEs: A Literature-Based Conceptual Study

Industry 5.0 extends technology-driven digital transformation by emphasizing human-centricity, sustainability, and organizational resilience. Manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), however, often lack a coherent competency structure that integrates these principles with the technological capabilities required for digital transformation. This study develops a literature-based Human-Centered Competency Framework (HCCF) for Industry 5.0 transformation in manufacturing SMEs. A structured targeted literature review and hybrid deductive–inductive thematic synthesis were conducted. The targeted literature search retrieved 45 records, of which 26 principal sources were retained for competency synthesis. The analysis resulted in 22 competencies organized into four interconnected domains: technological competencies, human-centered competencies, sustainability competencies, and leadership and resilience competencies. The framework places humans at the center of transformation and distinguishes employee and managerial competencies from organizational enablers and external contextual factors. Its contribution lies in integrating previously dispersed competency requirements into a unified architecture reflecting the resource constraints, multifunctional roles, and transformation conditions of manufacturing SMEs. The HCCF is proposed as a conceptual foundation for workforce development and future competency assessment rather than as an empirically validated measurement instrument. Future research should validate its structure, develop measurable indicators and proficiency levels, and examine its applicability across manufacturing sectors and SME contexts.