Industry trends for 2024

The new year brings many changes and challenges for various sectors of the economy, and industry, which underpins many other fields, is no exception. The rapid development of this sector brings further challenges but also opens up new opportunities. Discover the main trends that will shape industry in 2024.

1. Why are ESG and green workers a challenge for industry?

Competition for green talent is gathering pace: 74% of employers in the industrial sector worldwide are recruiting candidates with "green skills".

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is becoming one of the most important challenges for industry. Competition for the best "green talent" is gathering pace, and 74% of employers in the industrial sector worldwide are recruiting candidates with "green skills". Initiatives such as the European Green Deal, backed by government funds, are boosting green investment worldwide. Industry must also adapt to growing pressure related to climate change and invest in sustainable practices.

2. Why are manufacturers shortening supply chains?

Companies are shortening supply chains in the face of geopolitical challenges, and 70% of manufacturers in the USA and Europe plan to move their operations and suppliers closer to their main factory.

In the face of geopolitical challenges, shortening supply chains is becoming a priority for many companies. 70% of manufacturers in the USA and Europe plan to move their operations and suppliers closer to their main factory. These activities also include investment in recycling and the reuse of materials, which increases competition for skilled workers in these fields.

3. How important is automation for industrial investment?

62% of industrial managers believe that automation will be a top investment priority over the next 12 months.

Pressure to deploy robotics faster, including cobots (collaborative robots), and the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and virtual reality (VR) are shaping investment priorities in industry. 62% of industrial managers believe that automation will be a top investment priority over the next 12 months. Companies are increasingly implementing innovative solutions that support and replace workers. Employees therefore need to be flexible and acquire new skills.

4. How do new technologies support industrial workers?

Companies use AI, machine learning and virtual reality to streamline processes and to create new jobs.

AI, machine learning and virtual reality are becoming widespread in industry. Companies use these technologies to streamline processes and also to create new jobs. "Virtual welding" and testing solutions "invented" by AI are becoming reality. However, workers must be flexible and ready to learn new skills to meet the demands of a changing work environment.

Which trends will shape industry in 2024?

Industry in 2024 will be shaped by sustainability, shorter supply chains and automation, while companies must also invest in their employees' skills.

In summary, 2024 will bring industry many challenges, but it will also open up new prospects. Industry must adapt to trends related to sustainability, shortening supply chains and automation, while investing in developing its employees' skills. Flexibility, innovation and readiness to learn will be essential to success in the fast-changing industrial environment of 2024.

Authors: Monika Marszałek, Katarzyna Kucia