Model of Competency Management in the Network of Production Enterprises in Industry 4.0—Assumptions

The aim of this paper is to formulate assumptions—the point of departure for a model of competency management in a network of cooperating employers, whose goal is to increase the competitiveness of industry within the concept of Industry 4.0. In a knowledge-based economy, competencies are becoming a key non-material resource, with a significant influence on the development of enterprises, and on skilful use of new technologies, such as the Internet of Things, in order to create competitive advantage. The introduction gives a review of literature dealing with the influence of competencies on creating a smart factory, and the exchange of knowledge and skills within the network of production enterprises. The second part of the paper presents results of the research on key competencies possessed by generation Y. They were then compared to the demand of employers of chosen key enterprises in the region of Wielkopolska for certain skills and with competencies of the future in a smart factory. The final part presents assumptions for the model of knowledge management in production enterprises that aspire to use new technologies in the network, in accordance with the concept of Industry 4.0.