Summer Course - Empowering Community-Based SMEs: Sustainable Growth, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in the Industry 5.0 Era

Course Description

In an era where technological advancements and sustainability are shaping the future of business, Industry 5.0 emerges as the next wave of industrial transformation. Unlike Industry 4.0, which focuses on automation and digitalization, Industry 5.0 emphasizes the collaboration between humans and smart technologies, fostering sustainable and resilient business models. This course, designed for business and economics students, explores how innovation, technology, and infrastructure play a critical role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9). Throughout this one-month intensive summer program, participants will delve into key themes, including human-centric industrialization, AI-driven sustainability, smart infrastructure, and the role of green technologies in shaping the future of business. Students will analyze real-world case studies from global corporations leading in sustainable business practices, such as Schoters.com. They will also explore funding mechanisms for sustainable business models, such as green finance, ESG investments, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). The course offers a blend of lectures, interactive workshops, guest speaker sessions, and a final capstone project. Students will work in teams to develop a sustainable business strategy that integrates Industry 5.0 principles and present their solutions to a panel of industry professionals. By the end of the program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the intersection of technology, sustainability, and business innovation, preparing them for leadership roles in the evolving global economy

Course Features

• Admission: Nov 30 -0001 - Nov 30 -0001
• Course: Jul 20 2025 - Jul 20 2025
• Seats Available:
• Faculty / School: FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCES
• Time:
• Classes : Hybrid (two weeks online and two weeks on-campus)

Website

Learning Outcomes

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence technologies and their ethical implications, including algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and the potential for surveillance capitalism, enabling them to engage in informed discussions about these challenges. Students will critically assess the power dynamics inherent in AI technologies, examining the roles of various stakeholders and the implications of AI on social justice and inequality, particularly concerning labor and representation. Students will gain insight into global AI regulatory frameworks and policies while acquiring skills in digital activism and advocacy, preparing them to leverage AI technologies for social and political movements responsibly and ethically.

• Foundations of Industry 5.0 and Sustainable Business
• Innovation, Digital Transformation, and AI in Sustainable Business
• Sustainable Supply Chain, Financing Infrastructure, and ESG Investment
• Capstone Project and Business Pitching Competition