Analysis of the Transformation of the Manufacturing Industry and Engineering Education due to Sustainability Agreements

This paper examines the impact of the international sustainability plan Agenda 2030 and the resulting sustainability agreements on the Austrian manufacturing industry in the region of Styria. It analyzes the extent of industry transformation and provides a future outlook for the manufacturing industry. As the industry advances, engineering education adapts and evolves accordingly. Therefore, this study also investigates the influence of Engineering Education 5.0 in manufacturing. A survey of production companies in Styria provided practical insights and results, focusing on training of engineers, production sustainability, and future goals. Findings reveal a widespread use of digital processes, renewable energies, and lean management, but limited adoption of sustainable materials. In Industry 5.0, AI promotes collaboration between humans and machines, making creative thinking increasingly important. The results point to progress toward a sustainable value chain and underline the need for closer collaboration between industry and engineering education to enable the Styrian industry to move forward.