Abstract
This paper critically examines the relationship between Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 through the lens of industrial ecosystems. While Industry 4.0 introduced a technology-driven transformation centred on automation, interconnection, and data integration, Industry 5.0 repositions these technologies within a normative framework emphasizing human-centricity, sustainability, and resilience. Drawing on recent literature and policy discourse, the analysis argues that Industry 5.0 partially lacks substantial conceptual novelty and primarily rebrands the unfulfilled social ambitions of Industry 4.0. From an industrial ecosystem perspective, both paradigms are part of a continuous evolution—from technologically integrated supply chains toward socio-technical networks governed by distributed collaboration and shared value creation. However, the shift remains largely rhetorical, with limited evidence of practical implementation or innovation in governance. The paper concludes that Industry 5.0 should be viewed less as a new industrial revolution and more as an extension—or recalibration—of Industry 4.0 within a broader socio-ecological context.
Recommended Citation
Mueller, Julian M., "Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 in comparison - An Industrial Ecosystem perspective" (2025). International Conference on Information Systems 2023 Special Interest Group on Big Data Proceedings. 6.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/sigbd2023/6