The evolution from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 signifies a paradigm shift from technology-driven automation towards human-centric, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing systems. While advanced technologies remain critical enablers, workforce readiness has emerged as the decisive success factor in this transition. This study proposes a conceptual research framework for Workforce 5.0 skill development, integrating theoretical foundations with empirical industrial contexts across multiple sectors. The framework systematically contrasts Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0, as well as Operator 4.0 and Operator 5.0, highlighting the shift from efficiency-focused automation toward human–machine collaboration, adaptability, creativity, and sustainability. Key challenges include skill mismatches, the absence of comprehensive human-centric competency models, limited readiness assessment tools, and the heterogeneity of industries, particularly within S-curve sectors. The proposed multi-phase methodology comprises: (1) a PRISMA-based systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis to construct a Workforce 5.0 competency taxonomy across three foundational pillars and to identify relevant competencies for Thailand’s S-curve industries; (2) Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques with expert validation to prioritize core competencies and sub-skills; and (3) an empirical skill gap analysis across S-curve industries using structured surveys, competency evaluation models, and statistical validation. This framework strengthens the theoretical and empirical foundations of Workforce 5.0 research by providing a structured basis for competency modeling while offering practical guidance for workforce assessment and training system design in the context of human-centric industrial transformation.

Keywords

Industry 5.0, Workforce 5.0, Human-Machine Collaboration, Competency Framework, Skill Gap Analysis