Engineering Workforce of the Future: Competence Barriers and Requirements in Central European and Asian SMEs

Bernd Markus Zunk (), Corina Pacher-Woschank (), Manuel Woschank (), Korrakot Tippayawong (), Prim Fongsamootr () and Volker Koch ()
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Bernd Markus Zunk: Institute of Business Economics and Industrial Sociology, Graz University of Technology
Corina Pacher-Woschank: Resources Innovation Center, Montanuniversität Leoben
Manuel Woschank: Chair of Industrial Logistics, Montanuniversität Leoben
Korrakot Tippayawong: Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Department of Industrial Engineering
Prim Fongsamootr: Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Department of Industrial Engineering
Volker Koch: Institute of Business Economics and Industrial Sociology, Graz University of Technology

Chapter 11 in Industry 5.0 for SMEs, 2026, pp 315-353 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The increasing complexity and technological advancement of business environments, driven by Industry 4.0 and 5.0, underscore the necessity of Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) professionals in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This chapter explores the evolving competence requirements of IEM professionals, focusing on Central Europe and Asia. Structured into key sections, the chapter first outlines the IEM discipline’s transdisciplinary nature and its historical development. It then presents a comprehensive IEM competence model based on Central European research and prepares for its comparative validation in Asia through focus groups. The results highlight critical competences such as digital literacy, adaptability, and sustainability, alongside challenges like skills gaps, job displacement, and technological integration. The findings imply an urgent need for educational reforms to develop modular, proactive training concepts that align with evolving SME demands. Ultimately, the study contributes to strengthening IEM education, ensuring future workforce readiness and SME competitiveness in globalized, technology-driven markets.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-26279-0_11

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