Dear Friends and Readers,

Beginning in 2011, Industry 4.0. has since made its entrance into the socio-economic scenario worldwide. This new production paradigm originated in Germany with the purpose of fulfilling a number of objectives in terms of political economy. In just a few years, the Industry 4.0 phenomenon has experienced considerable growth, reflecting a number of social, economic, educational and cultural changes that have affected knowledge generation and dissemination.

Industry 4.0 is a new economic approach that challenges Fordism and rigidly compartmentalised production sectors. This new model features more fluid organisation in which both consumers and external factors might play a part. While highly-digitalised processes allow for mass customisation of products, a rethink of the way production is organised, as well as of working and business models, is needed.

We would like to invite you to investigate with us these and other issues during the international conference “Industry 4.0: Triggering Factors and Enabling Skills” which will take place on 1 and 2 December 2017 at the University of Bergamo (Italy). The conference is follow up of other events organised in the last two years by ADAPT and the University of Bergamo, namely “The Great Transformation of Work” (Bergamo, 6-7- November 2015) and “The Future of Work: A Matter of Sustainability” (Bergamo, 10-11 November 2016).

By adopting a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective, the aim of this year’s conference is to examine the pedagogical, contractual, and psychological aspects that might contribute to tackling the challenges posed by the new Industry 4.0 paradigm. These factors might include – though are not limited to – training, skills, knowledge infrastructure, welfare systems, employment protection and industrial relations.

Participation in the conference is free. Those interested should fill out the registration form available at this link.

The conference will be proceeded by a discussion on the great transformation of work involving a number of employment agencies. This event, titled “Agenzie del lavoro, da fornitori di lavoro temporaneo a facilitatori del lavoro 4.0” will be organised by ASSOLAVORO and will take place on 30 November 2017, 10.00 am, at the University of Bergamo. Participation in this event is also free and registration shall be made through this link.

Click this link to find the program of the conference: "Industry 4.0: Triggering Factors and Enabling Skills"

We look forward to seeing you at the conference!

Best wishes,

Giuseppe Bertagna
Coordinator of the International School in Human Capital Formation and Labour Relations

Michele Tiraboschi
ADAPT Scientific Coordinator
@Michele_ADAPT