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Open Access 2024 | Open Access | Buch

Industry 4.0 and the Road to Sustainable Steelmaking in Europe

Recasting the Future

herausgegeben von: Dean Stroud, Antonius Johannes Schröder, Luca Antonazzo, Clara Behrend, Valentina Colla, Aitor Goti, Martin Weinel

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : Topics in Mining, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

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Über dieses Buch

This open access book gathers original contributions focused on the transition of the European steel industry to Industry 4.0. It not only investigates how Industry 4.0 can enhance productivity, cost-saving, and sustainability in the steel industry but also helps to comprehend its broad consequences on employment, education and training, human resources, economic resilience and decarbonisation. The content engages with the international debate on Industry 4.0 through the lens of the steel industry from a multidisciplinary perspective. It encourages a scientifically grounded critical approach and includes contributions from humanities and technical disciplines, with a focus on the social dimensions of the phenomenon. This book draws strength from up-to-date international research projects and adopts a strong industry-based perspective, providing a thorough description and analysis of the state of the art of the European steel industry. It also analyzes the trends, outcomes, opportunities, and criticalities arising with the transition to the Industry 4.0 paradigm. The book is primarily based on the results of the European Steel Skills Agenda (ESSA) skills alliance project co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and supported by the European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP).

This is an open access book.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Open Access

Introduction: The Historic Importance and Continued Relevance of Steel-Making in Europe
Abstract
The relative economic and political importance of the steel industry for the European project has decreased since the founding of the Economic Coal and Steel Community in 1952, but its absolute importance remains high and critical for the European project’s future success. However, for the continued survival of the European steel industry and among a wider set of challenges, the sector has to face and overcome what is often referred to as the 'twin challenges': digitalisation, in the form of Industry 4.0, and decarbonisation. This chapter discusses the twin challenges and introduces the contributions made to this edited collection, which begin to answer and address how best to respond to these challenges to safeguard the future of the European steel industry.
Martin Weinel, Luca Antonazzo, Dean Stroud, Clara Behrend, Valentina Colla, Aitor Goti, Antonius Johannes Schröder

The EU Steel Industry: A Social and Technological Transformation

Frontmatter

Open Access

The Technological and Social Transformation of the European Steel Industry: Towards Decarbonisation and Digitalisation
Abstract
In this chapter we touch on the supranational developments that gave rise to the notion of a European steel industry, and thereby set the context for a discussion of its technological and social transformation. We discuss more broadly technological and social change and innovation across the sector in Europe, and in view of its developments reflect on the (social) consequences for the workforce. The chapter also reflects on the dynamics of restructuring and privatisation, as well as the internationalisation and globalisation of the industry. This broader discussion sets the background for a brief overview analysis of more recent innovations and the ‘twin challenges’ of digitalisation, so-called Industry 4.0, and decarbonisation, which together—it might be argued—represent a paradigmatic shift in the industry both technologically and socially. With regard to the ‘twin challenges’ we draw on data from two research projects, European Steel Skills Agenda (ESSA) and Preparing for a Just Transition, to inform some of the discussion.
Dean Stroud, Luca Antonazzo, Martin Weinel

Open Access

From Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0: The Triple Transition Digital, Green and Social
Abstract
The paradigm Industry 5.0, to which the European Commission recently dedicated a conceptual report, focuses on both a sustainable and a human-centric and resilient industry: human-centric by using technology primarily for the benefit of people, sustainable by not harming the environment, and resilient by contributing to the security of supply and autonomous supply chains (Breque et al. in Industry 5.0: towards a sustainable, human-centric and resilient European industry. European Commission, Brussels: 14–16). This concept is no turn away from Industry 4.0 but is looking at the mainly technology-dominated approach of Industry 4.0 with a new lens and new priorities. Based on the approach of combining technological and social innovation within a common development process we will give some practical insights on how to coordinate change processes. The aim is to achieve solutions that are beneficial from several perspectives: e.g. social, economic and ecological. Grounded in our experience from industry-related multi-stakeholder projects this chapter discusses various concepts that can be applied within the Industry 5.0 approach. Particular attention is paid to the significance and importance of skills and human resources in the digital and green transformation. Additionally, the relevance of the social innovation approach is shown, leading to new practices to address societal challenges via the human-centred, sustainable and resilient Industry 5.0 perspective. The empirical background is given by the concepts and first results of our European projects for enhancing the digital and green transformation by a social transition.
Antonius Johannes Schröder, Mathias Cuypers, Adrian Götting

Open Access

The Impact of the New Technologies and the EU Climate Objectives on the Steel Industry
Abstract
Over the last years, an ever-increasing level of automation has been observed in the steelworks. In this context, the European steel industry is committed to integrating new technologies in the production chain to evolve towards the Industry 4.0 paradigm and even beyond. The application of digital technologies aims at optimising the integration of production units to enhance product quality, process flexibility, energy and resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and productivity in the whole sector. This chapter aims at providing an overview on the challenges related to the integration of digital technologies as well as to the EU climate objectives in the European steel sector. Starting from a state-of-the-art analysis, including the progresses achieved in the field over the last few decades, this chapter presents some of the outcomes of the study carried out within the Erasmus+ industry-driven project ‘European Steel Skills Alliance (ESSA)’. The impact of digital technologies on the workforce, the technological transformation and the EU climate objectives are analysed. Moreover, the results of an analysis concerning the level of automation in the European steelworks and the digital technologies in supporting the social innovation are discussed.
Teresa Annunziata Branca, Valentina Colla, Maria Maddalena Murri, Antonius Johannes Schröder

Open Access

Robotic Systems in the European Steel Industry: State-of-Art and Use Cases
Abstract
The current digital and technological transformation affecting the European steel industry is carried out through the continuous and progressive application of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) according to the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Among these technologies, robotic systems and autonomous vehicles (UAV/UGV), are increasingly applied in steel plants with the aim of improving health and safety in workplaces. Dangerous operations related to monitoring, maintenance and safety are often performed by using such systems in order to avoid workers’ exposure to accidents and injuries. Therefore, robotic applications and autonomous vehicles, which are suitably equipped with artificial vision and innovative sensors, are integrated in the daily operations by supporting humans and interacting with them according to well defined procedures, in order to minimise potential and dangerous events. The present chapter assesses the state-of-art for this technology, by analysing both the literature and European-funded projects, and investigates two specific use-cases related to different applications in steel plants with specific focus on the workforce impact in terms of implications in work organisation and operational procedure. Moreover, changed work patterns (e.g., behaviours, tasks, decision-making, training, skills, etc.) are also discussed considering human experience as a fundamental aspect.
Marco Vannucci, Ruben Matino, Maria Maddalena Murri, Roberto Piancaldini, Antonius Johannes Schröder, Dean Stroud

Industry Perspectives on Industry 4.0 and Workplace Change

Frontmatter

Open Access

The History of the Steel Industry: A Trade Union Perspective from the UK
Abstract
The UK was the birthplace of industrial-scale steelmaking, but the industry has faced significant challenges throughout its history. As the industry continues to advance, workers and their communities must be supported through that change to deliver a just transition. This chapter tells the story of the UK steel industry from the point of view of Community, the largest and leading trade union representing steelworkers in the UK. Beginning from the earliest history, and continuing to the present day, this chapter demonstrates the historic and continued importance of steel to communities in the UK. The chapter aims to provide a broad overview of the relationship between trade unions and steel industry. It highlights case studies where failure to act has led to the loss of steel making and discusses the importance of tripartite dialogue to protect and preserve communities and jobs, particularly during periods of social and technological transformation such as those discussed in this volume.
Anna Mowbray

Open Access

Aiming for Industry 4.0: The Case of the Czech Republic
Abstract
Industry 4.0 (also Work 4.0 or the fourth industrial revolution) is the name for the current trend of digitization, the related automation of production and the changes in the labour market that it will bring. Industry 4.0 will be accompanied by a change in the labour market, which could cause a threat to the employment of people for whom computers with new management/decision-making systems or robotic systems controlled by these systems will replace human power (for example, production lines that will replace workers with lower qualifications). New jobs will be created, but they will require higher qualification of employees. This chapter is focused on Industry 4.0 in the Czech steel sector, it focuses on the steel industry in Ostrava, where the steel industry is mainly concentrated. It goes back to the beginnings of steelmaking in the middle of the eighteenth century and maps the gradual development and resulting changes not only for the steel sector itself, but for the entire Ostrava region. In the end, it deals with the possible future of the steel industry in the Czech Republic.
Roman Ďurčo, Marcel Pielesz, Dana Sakařová

Open Access

Recruitment and Training and the Dynamics of Digitalization
Abstract
In this chapter, the challenges of digitalization from the perspective of Human Resources (HR) and Talent Management are discussed. The pace of change within the workplace requires HR officers to put in place more standardized and effective methods to assess the candidates and finalize recruitment, as well as to design training in a continuous and dynamic manner. The chapter provides an account of the processes undertaken by a leading European steel company and reflects the views of the author and his professional experience in HR functions in international companies based in Europe. The professional experience dates back to the 1990s, and includes the recent changes in the world of HR and the steel industry.
José Ignacio Alonso Osambela

Open Access

The Cold Rolling Industry: Demographic Changes and Further Challenges—Impacts on the Workforce and Current Status of the KaWaGi Project
Abstract
The focus of this chapter is on how digitisation and Industry 4.0 technologies are changing work forms and loads, as well as competitive strategies within the cold rolling industry. The chapter will present the effects of digitisation coupled with demographic changes within the workforce by presenting the KaWaGi project conducted in association with the German Association of Cold Rolling Mills. The project is intended to secure employability and the innovative potential of the workforce against the background of the current challenges the branch is facing by personnel development measures. In this chapter, some exemplary project results are described from the analyses of the age structure and skills requirements as well as from stress assessment.
Martin Kunkel, Nicole Rudolf

Open Access

Attracting Talents to the Steel Industry
Abstract
This chapter outlines the increasing importance of qualified employees for future competitiveness in the EU steel industry. As the labour market changes companies have to be attractive employers for their future talents. The authors recommend suggestions for supporting actions to attract talents and future talents. This chapter is a revised version of a ESTEP recommendation paper. (ESTEP 2020) Attracting talents to the Steel Industry, ESTEP, Brussels, https://​www.​estep.​eu/​assets/​Uploads/​20200302-attracting-talents-to-the-steel-industry.​pdf Accessed 27 May 2022).
Veit Echterhoff, Peter Schelkle, Stefan Cassel

New Skills Requirements, Training, and Recommendations

Frontmatter

Open Access

Preparing for a Digital Steel Industry: What Challenge for Skills Formation Systems?
Abstract
This chapter draws on data collected under the ESSA project and on institutional literature to illustrate emerging skills needs in the steel industry, and to reflect on the effectiveness of vocational education and training (VET) reforms to meet those needs. VET systems represent a central plank of skills formation institutions. Here, we focus on recent VET reforms in three European countries (Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom) to remark on a potential disconnect between expectations and outcomes. Whilst the given reforms nominally address the skills and training arrangements deemed as necessary for the industry’s technological transformation, we argue that their effectiveness relies lastly on their fit (or complementarity) with pre-existing institutions and with the institutional model in which they occur. This has implications for how attempts to reform national skills formation institutions will support the future steel industry in meeting its challenges.
Luca Antonazzo, Dean Stroud, Martin Weinel

Open Access

The Effects of Industry 4.0 on Steel Workforce: Identifying the Current and Future Skills Requirements of the Steel Sector and Developing a Sectorial Database
Abstract
In recent years, the European steel sector has undergone constant and substantial changes due to the digitalization of steel production as well as persistent demands to place the industry on a further environmentally sustainable footing. However, the majority of the experienced workforce in the metallurgy sector do not have the necessary technological competences. The steel sector is in need of a highly qualified labour force to keep up with the growing digitalization, and to manage the implementation of new business models. Creating a competent labour force with updated skills is only possible through addressing the current skills needs and trends as well as anticipating the future ones. This chapter is developed to respond to this need and guide the sector through performing a detailed desk analysis and generating a sectoral occupational database. We believe that the sectoral database would serve the steel industry as a crucial tool for all the future technological and organizational changes. Steel manufacturers, universities, training and education centres are aimed to be the end-users of the database, since they are responsible from the development, redesign and delivery of training programs.
Tugce Akyazi, Aitor Goti, Félix Báyon

Open Access

Identifying Future Skills for the Digital Transformation in the Steel Industry: An Ecosystem Analysis in the German Rhein/Ruhr Area
Abstract
The digitalisation of the world of work is accompanied by far-reaching processes of change. This also affects jobs and skills of employees and managers. This chapter presents the results of an empirical BEYOND 4.0 study on transversal future skill demands and takes a closer look at the steel industry in the Rhine/Ruhr region in Germany. The focus thereby lies on skills that are gaining in importance across all occupations and at all qualification levels. At that, an important orientation is provided by a category system for future skills, which was developed in the BEYOND 4.0 project. Based on a comprehensive literature research, the category system shows that it is not only digital skills that are crucial for the digital transformation, as non-digital skills, such as social, personal and methodological skills, are also gaining in importance across all jobs and sectors. The category system was then applied in the research in the steel industry in the Rhine/Ruhr region. Research was mainly based on qualitative interviews that were conducted with steel experts from a number of stakeholder groups. The empirical results underline the importance of non-digital skills, often summarised as “soft skills”, in combination with digital skills. Digital skills thereby plays a role at all levels of qualification. However, the experts of the regional steel sector emphasise that it is above all the requirements for lifelong learning that are strongly increasing due to digitalisation. Personal skills such as adaptability and willingness to change play an important role in this regard. The findings also show that especially in large steel producing companies, topics that are specifically related to the development of digital solutions are often dealt with in projects, in which experts from different disciplines work closely together. In this respect, the requirements for social skills such as communication and teamwork are also increasing in the context of digitalisation.
Adrian Götting, Clara Behrend, Michael Kohlgrüber

Open Access

Conclusion: Recasting the Future of the European Steel Industry
Abstract
When the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was established in 1952 to unite European countries economically and politically to secure long-lasting peace, steel production was one of the two main strategic industries in which a common European project was first launched. Today, the steel industry still represents a critical asset for the European economy and contributes to the development of a huge number of transforming industries, in particular the automotive, construction and infrastructure, robotics, advanced machinery and tools, and household appliances sectors. During the period till the end of the ECSC in 2002 and then beyond into the new millennium, the steel industry in Europe more broadly and within the EU has gone through significant waves of expansion, consolidation, modernisation, rationalisation and shrinkage, and it is currently facing tremendous pressures and challenges, including the twin-challenges that form the focus of this volume. In this conclusion to the present collection, we offer our broader reflections on the industry.
Tugce Akyazi, Aitor Goti, Elisabete Alberdi, Clara Behrend, Antonius Johannes Schröder, Valentina Colla, Dean Stroud, Luca Antonazzo, Martin Weinel
Backmatter
Metadaten
Titel
Industry 4.0 and the Road to Sustainable Steelmaking in Europe
herausgegeben von
Dean Stroud
Antonius Johannes Schröder
Luca Antonazzo
Clara Behrend
Valentina Colla
Aitor Goti
Martin Weinel
Copyright-Jahr
2024
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-35479-3
Print ISBN
978-3-031-35478-6
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35479-3

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