Why
Industry 5.0?
Explore humanity’s challenges – discover sustainable solutions for the future!
INDUSTRY 5.0
Humanity is facing climate change and biodiversity loss.
The challenge ahead is immense: how can we rapidly transform our way of life to ensure a sustainable and peaceful future?
Europe cannot tackle this challenge alone, but it can lead the global community in a deep systemic transformation that will be essential in the coming decades.
The solution lies in the transition to Industry 5.0.
Industry 5.0 goes beyond sustainability, regeneration, and circular economy principles. It also focuses on strengthening the resilience of the existing economy, making it more adaptable to future disruptions and challenges.
At its core, Industry 5.0 prioritizes people, ensuring their well-being and safety in the workplace.
GOALS OF INDUSTRY 5.0
Industry 5.0 puts humans at the center of technological development and organizational practices. It is about increasing efficiency and holistically considering human needs, motivation, and experiences.
It aims to create workplaces where employee engagement, well-being, and productivity are prioritized while ensuring the highest level of safety.
Autonomy, creativity, and skill development are as crucial as technological innovation.
Human-machine collaboration goes beyond automation—it fosters synergy, where technology enhances human capabilities and improves working conditions.
This approach is built on ethical development, adaptability, and respect for human values, enabling sustainable business growth and better job quality.
In this paradigm, industry is not a threat but a driving force for sustainable development and social well-being.
From intelligent robots assisting workers in physically demanding tasks to augmented reality for training, technology in Industry 5.0 is an enabler, not a replacement.
The focus shifts from routine tasks to creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. By harnessing AI, advanced robotics, and cognitive technologies, Industry 5.0 opens new opportunities for innovation, personal growth, and long-term business success in a harmonious balance between humans and machines.
THE FUTURE LIES IN SUSTAINABILITY AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
As one of the largest resource consumers, the industry plays a key role in shaping a more sustainable future.
The traditional linear economy, based on endless growth, resource depletion, and a high carbon footprint, is no longer viable.
Industry 5.0 shifts the paradigm, merging technological advancements with sustainable production to create resilient, regenerative, circular business models.
It moves from the “take-make-dispose” approach toward a circular economy, where materials and products are designed for reuse, recycling, and refurbishment. This reduces waste and optimizes resource efficiency.
Systemic industry transformation demands energy efficiency, lower environmental impact, and renewable resource utilization.
Key elements include:
- Resource sharing
- Extended product lifecycles
- Regenerative manufacturing (e.g., bio-based materials, sustainably sourced raw materials)
Industry 5.0 promotes business models focusing on reuse, repair, recycling, and sharing, leveraging AI, automation, and advanced manufacturing to optimize processes and reduce environmental impact.
Companies embracing this vision reduce their ecological footprint and enhance competitiveness and long-term market resilience.Industry 5.0 is an opportunity to build an economy that restores the planet rather than depleting it, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and responsible resource management.
RESILIENCE TO CHANGE
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of the global economy, proving that existing systems were ill-prepared for unexpected crises.
To ensure long-term resilience, industries and businesses must transform to maintain operations despite disruptions.
Industry 5.0 offers solutions by focusing on:
- Sustainability
- Digitalization
- Reducing dependency on external resources
Reducing Europe’s dependence on imported raw materials and energy is key to economic stability.
Decarbonization efforts could lower the EU’s energy dependence from 54% to 20% by 2050, enhancing competitiveness and security.
Digitalization improves industry adaptability, enabling:
- Better analytics
- Optimized production efficiency
- Transparent supply chains
Optimized resource use reduces costs and boosts sustainability, while flexible work models strengthen companies during crises.
Industry 5.0 presents an opportunity to create a more sovereign, sustainable economy, ready for future challenges.
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR SLOVENIA
Slovenia has the potential to become a European leader in Industry 5.0 by integrating technological progress, social responsibility, and sustainable business practices.
This can be achieved by:
- Developing regulatory frameworks that support sustainable, innovative business models
- Implementing support mechanisms for companies investing in Industry 5.0
- Investing in education and workforce upskilling to adapt to new market demands
- Encouraging research and innovation in Industry 5.0 to develop technologies for energy efficiency, circular economy, and smart manufacturing.
By adopting this vision, Slovenia can become a pioneer in Industry 5.0, strengthening its economy and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future.
About us
We believe the industry’s future must be resilient, sustainable, and human-centered.
Industry 5.0 is not just a technological revolution but a mindset that combines the power of digitalization with human creativity and values, alongside a deep sense of responsibility toward nature.
We aim to support businesses, industries, and individuals in transitioning to a new era where advanced technologies drive sustainable development, competitiveness, and a better quality of life.
How do we achieve this?
We connect businesses, research institutions, and the public sector to accelerate the practical implementation of Industry 5.0 technologies.
We develop pilot projects, demonstration centers, and educational programs that provide companies access to cutting-edge knowledge and solutions.
We foster innovation, sustainability, and the circular economy while helping businesses shape strategies for greater resilience and competitiveness.
What do we do?
- Develop competencies: We educate and train professionals to work with technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, digital twins, and IoT, always prioritizing human creativity.
- Support businesses: Through pilot projects and tailored solutions, we assist companies in their digital and sustainable transformation.
- Encourage innovation: We bridge the gap between industry and academia to accelerate knowledge and technology transfer.
- Build a sustainable future: We establish circular and environmentally friendly production practices that reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
A future where technology serves both people and the planet.
Our
services
- Project proposal development
- Consortium composition with high commercialization potential
- Targeting financial resources (EU / national / private)
- Preparation and adaptation of project application
- Project management of a consortium supported by public funds (EU / national)
- Communication support with various stakeholders
The i5 Institute team
Urban Pevnik
CEO
Tadej Slapnik
Joint CEO
Boris Šajnović
CFO
Lea Škrubej
Communications and PR
Aleksandra Prodanović Stamenović PhD
Research and Education
Are you interested in more?
Contact us now!