A Preliminary Analysis on Korean University Students’ Readiness Level for Industry 4.0 Revolution

Authors : Hasan Tinmaz, Jin Hwa Lee

Pages : 70-83

Doi:10.17275/per.19.6.6.1

View : 18 | Download : 15

Publication Date : 2019-06-01

Article Type : Research

Abstract :While South Korea has been taking its place in Industry 4.0 technologies and processes (Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and so forth), some issues still seem untouched. One of these issues is the readiness of current university students regarding Industry 4.0 and related issues. While countries are being reshaped by Industry 4.0, people realize that some professions are vanishing, re-defined or emerging. Therefore, today’s students must be ready for these Industry 4.0 changes and make their personal development agenda accordingly. Otherwise, the scenario of people losing their jobs due to technological advancements will become true. As the waves of Industry 4.0 are fast approaching to young generations of South Korean society, the study aimed to contribute to the existing Industry 4.0 literature from a social perspective. Researchers developed a literature-based survey and utilized convenient sampling approach (n=129) to unfold students’ readiness level. Statistically analysed data explored that participants are not well aware of Industry 4.0 fundamentals and stay sceptical and alert for its implementation which is believed to bring more job opportunities whilst some current job titles disappear. It is clear that changes in higher education institutions in parallel with the emerging Industry 4.0 technologies are inevitable.
Keywords : Industry 4.0, South Korea, readiness, higher education, awareness