Learning factories constitute a promising approach for the acquisition of specific competencies, especially in terms of a digital transformation of the economy. Respectively, a variety of such factories differing in technology, learning concept, and potential audience have evolved. A precise and recent overview of those does not exist. However, such an overview is required for the implementation of concrete political measures, a future-oriented development of the individual learning factories, and an adequate selection by the audience. For this purpose, the authors investigate the current state of the art of European learning factories in the context of digitization. Thus, the terminology and definition of learning factories are provided. Moreover, using a structured literature review, the factories and their operation mode are outlined. Subsequently, the authors evaluate whether the different factories can build the required competencies among the audience and thus, support a successful digital transformation. Additionally, expert interviews with learning factory operators are performed to obtain profound information on the performance of learning factories. The findings help to assess the pertinency of European learning factories and provide a trace for their future development.
Qualification in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises as the Key Driver for a Digitalized Economy
(2022)
Transformation processes towards a smart production reshape the way we work. Digitalization and the application of new technologies lead to additional interfaces between man and machine and thus, result in a tremendous change of employment, work environment and workforce qualification. This in turn means, to take full advantage of digitalization employees at all levels and sectors have to be evolved in the transformation process and need to be skilled for the upcoming challenges. To meet this need for qualification and to sensitize especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the matter of digitalization, the Competence Center Cottbus was founded.
Through a four-step approach, the Center addresses SMEs at all digitalization levels, from beginners to innovators. The central instrument for the Centers’ work is the self-developed LTA-FIT qualification concept. This concept is designed to impart the required knowledge and competences in accordance with the distinct qualification level of SMEs and their employees.
Even though digitization is a topic of high interest and promises remarkable benefits for the German manufacturing industry, it is still in its development phase. Thus, necessities arising from it are not predictable, yet. A great obstacle that will occur is the appropriate qualification of employees at all levels, sectors and firm sizes. The integration of new technologies will have radical impact on the role and job profile of all staff members as they alter the requirements across the whole value chain and lead to new processes. Latest studies showed that an insufficient qualification of employees is one of the greatest challenges for a successful digitization. Thus, to regain a globally leading position in the manufacturing industry German companies, especially small and medium sized enterprises (SME), need to qualify their employees appropriately. The LTA-FIT model is an approach that aims to face these challenges.