Industry 5.0 and its role in advancing ESG and SDG principles

Even though Industry 4.0 offers widespread automation across various technologies, the question remainswhether the industrial evolution is over. In recent years, the term Industry 5.0 has been used to representhuman-centric and sustainable industrial practices, which align with achieving the environmental, social, andgovernance (ESG) principles outlined by the United Nations (UN). These principles serve as a framework throughwhich companies can contribute to fulfilling the UN’s global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given thegrowing significance of Industry 5.0 in the context of sustainability, this study seeks to explore two key researchquestions: (1) „What is the current state of research on Industry 5.0 in relation to ESG and SDGs?“ and (2)„What thematic areas are most commonly explored in research linking Industry 5.0, ESG and SDGs?“. To answerthese questions, a systematic literature review was conducted, analysing a final selection of 22 papers. Threemain clusters were identified, categorizing the studies as follows: (1) Management and Sustainability, whichexamines sustainability management practices and the role of ESG factors in business; (2) Technology and theHuman Factor, highlighting the intersection of technological and social innovations; and (3) Digital Innovationand Future Technologies, encompassing emerging technological trends such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence(AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and the metaverse. This study highlights the importance of strategic planning,circular economy integration, and digital transformation in fostering sustainability. While the research onIndustry 5.0 is still evolving, this study provides insights into the intersection of automation, human-centricityand environmental responsibility.