The strategic publication builds on the book Industry 4.0 - A Vision for the Czech Republic from 2016, but reflects the significant changes that have taken place in the Czech Republic since then. For example, the covid-19 pandemic has clearly shown that digitisation and technologies associated with Industry 4.0 can provide stability in crisis situations. Geopolitical changes have also shown the need to increase our resilience and preparedness for unexpected challenges. Industry 4.0 is the key to addressing issues in areas such as energy, health and emergency services. Another factor is the close link of the Czech economy to Germany, which is currently facing its own economic challenges. Added to this are the EU's requirements regarding climate targets and increasing levels of regulation, administration and reporting.
"It is clear that our economic model needs a fundamental change. The transformation of the Czech economy is inevitable if we want to be among the developed countries," says Prof. Vladimír Mařík, Scientific Director of the CIIRC CTU and collaborator of Prof. Wolfgang Wahlster, one of the creators of the Industry 4.0 concept. "Without a clear vision of where our industry should move, it is impossible to plan a successful strategy. That is why this book was written - to help companies operating in our market understand the basic concepts, strategic direction and current technology trends," adds Mařík.
In the introductory chapter, the authors mention that the Czech Republic has been stuck in the so-called middle-income trap in recent years. They see the solution in raising the level of education, science and research, strengthening the relationship with the end customer and emphasising domestic final products. Reducing dependence on subcontracting and accelerating digital and technological transformation are also key.
Behind the book is a team of experts from the ecosystem of the National Centre for Industry 4.0, which managed to effectively connect 76 top experts from different fields. The names of the guarantors of individual chapters, such as Jiří Holoubek (SP ČR), Eduard Palíšek (Siemens ČR), Miroslava Kopicová, Věra Czesaná (both National Education Fund), Tereza Šamanová (Czechinno), Jana Polášek Filová (Škoda Auto), Oto Sládek (KyberTec), Helena Úlovcová (HK ČR) or Petr Kadera and Pavel Burget (both CIIRC CTU), are a guarantee of expert quality and relevant data.
"The National Centre for Industry 4.0 is not giving up its efforts to help transform Czech industry and the economy. Industry 4.0 is a key tool for long-term competitiveness based on innovation. That is why the book also contains visions and recommendations that the Czech Republic and industrial companies should take," explains Robert Keil, Director of the National Centre for Industry 4.0, the motivation for the book.
The book was christened on 24 September at the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics CTU. Its godfather was Zdeněk Zajíček, President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic. "The introduction of technologies such as artificial intelligence or machine learning not only reduces costs but also increases the competitiveness of companies in the global market. It is a key step towards a sustainable and innovative future of manufacturing, which is essential for economic growth and technological progress. The publication we have christened today will become a useful tool not only for professionals," says Zdeněk Zajíček.
The publication shows that relevance of the ideas of Industry 4.0 has not only prevailed over the last eight years, but on the contrary the ideas have gained in importance. It offers a direction that the Czech Republic - and every enterprise - should take, regardless of what the concept will eventually be called. The principles presented in the book are quite natural in the age of digitalisation and the internet revolution, and their correct application can lead to faster and more efficient achievement of the goal.
Find the photography from the books christening here: https://media.cvut.cz/cs/foto/20240924-krest-knihy-prumysl-40