Title: Industry 4.0 and the need for talent: a multiple case study of Taiwan's companies

Authors: Yun-Hsiang Chang; Ying-Jung Yvonne Yeh

Addresses: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan ' National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, 43, Sec. 4, Keelung Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan

Abstract: Talent is a key resource in the development of Industry 4.0. However, scholars have not considered talent from the viewpoint of companies. We address this omission by using a multiple case method, including semi-structured interviews and document reviews, to analyse companies' need for talent and its acquisition. We find that companies need talent in the areas of lean management, the Internet of things (IoT), cloud computing, and big data. Moreover, companies obtain talent using external resources such as strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and outsourcing. We also establish that Industry 4.0 implementation does not affect job numbers; however, companies must adjust their talent development practices.

Keywords: Industry 4.0; manufacturing industry; industry development; industry transformation; organisation strategy; talent management; talent need; human resource management; human resource development; multiple-case method.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2018.091150

International Journal of Product Development, 2018 Vol.22 No.4, pp.314 - 332

Received: 22 Jun 2017
Accepted: 10 Feb 2018
Published online: 11 Apr 2018 *

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