Innovative competencies for industry 4.0 in Portugal: Trends, gaps, and research agenda

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the technical and interpersonal skills required for the labor market in Industry 4.0 in Portugal, proposing a future research agenda. The study adopts a systematic literature review methodology, drawing on documents from the Scopus database and covering papers on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and professional skills in Portugal. After applying filtering criteria, 18 papers were analyzed. The findings highlight the importance of technical skills such as automation, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, as well as the growing relevance of interpersonal skills such as communication and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams. This study is relevant because it proposes a research agenda that addresses gaps in the impact of Industry 4.0 on professional skills, focusing on developing interdisciplinary skills, assessing the effects of automation, fostering sustainable innovation, and adapting curricula. For society, it contributes by emphasizing the need to prepare workers for digital transformation, thus promoting competitiveness and innovation in the labor market. To address the challenges of Industry 4.0, educational institutions, companies, and governments must collaborate in training a qualified workforce by integrating technical and interpersonal skills.