Yang Lu

Bio: Yang Lu is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Current (fluid). The author has co-authored 1 publications.

Logistics and Agri-Food: Digitization to Increase Competitive Advantage and Sustainability. Literature Review and the Case of Italy

Abstract: This paper examines the current challenges faced by logistics with a focus on the agri-food sector. After outlining the context, a review of the literature on the relationship between logistics and strategic management in gaining and increasing competitiveness in the agri-food sector is conducted. In particular, the flow of the paper is as follows: after examining the aforementioned managerial problem and its broader repercussions, the paper proceeds to address two main research questions. First, how and by which tools can digitization contribute to improving supply chain management and sustainability in logistics? Second, what are the main managerial and strategic implications and consequences of this for the agri-food sector in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, cost reduction, and supply chain optimization? Finally, the paper presents Italy as a case study, chosen both for its peculiar internal differences in logistical infrastructures and entrepreneurial management between Northern and Southern regions (which could be at least partially overcome with the use of new technologies and frameworks) and for the importance of the agri-food sector for the domestic economy (accounting about 25% of the country’s GDP), on which digitization should have positive effects in terms of value creation and sustainability.

Human–Machine Relationship—Perspective and Future Roadmap for Industry 5.0 Solutions

Abstract: The human–machine relationship was dictated by human needs and what technology was available at the time. Changes within this relationship are illustrated by successive industrial revolutions as well as changes in manufacturing paradigms. The change in the relationship occurred in line with advances in technology. Machines in each successive century have gained new functions, capabilities, and even abilities that are only appropriate for humans—vision, inference, or classification. Therefore, the human–machine relationship is evolving, but the question is what the perspective of these changes is and what developmental path accompanies them. This question represents a research gap that the following article aims to fill. The article aims to identify the status of change and to indicate the direction of change in the human–machine relationship. Within the framework of the article, a literature review has been carried out on the issue of the human–machine relationship from the perspective of Industry 5.0. The fifth industrial revolution is restoring the importance of the human aspect in production, and this is in addition to the developments in the field of technology developed within Industry 4.0. Therefore, a broad spectrum of publications has been analyzed within the framework of this paper, considering both specialist articles and review articles presenting the overall issue under consideration. To demonstrate the relationships between the issues that formed the basis for the formulation of the development path.

Analysing the alignment between circular economy and industry 4.0 nexus with industry 5.0 era: An integrative systematic literature review

Abstract: Circular economy (CE) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) laid the foundation of intelligent and sustainable manufacturing based on real-time data collection. However, the absence of a human-centric approach has recently pushed for a more value-driven Industry 5.0 (I5.0) vision. A systematic literature review is conducted by critically analysing the peer-reviewed academic journals to evaluate the material-flow of a product's lifecycle and information-flow in a data-driven platform to find any existing relationship between the CE and I4.0 nexus with I5.0. The results indicate that the application of I5.0 is significantly more comprehensive as it is not limited to industry-focused but also considers broader societal values. I5.0 places the human-centric approach at the centre of the production process and utilise innovative technical advancement to provide a sustainable and resilient smart manufacturing path. It extends the tech features of I4.0 and complements the CE paradigm that prospers beyond jobs and growth while respecting the environment.

Industry 4.0: A Chance or a Threat for Gen Z? The Perspective of Economics Students

Abstract: Major transformations in the sphere of the economy that Industry 4.0 brings are also reflected in young people’s expectations regarding the development of their professional career. Existing social relations are being modified nowadays and new concepts of building them are being developed. The aim of the present article is to present the expectations, fears and hopes of young people related to the course of Industrial Revolution 4.0 in the context of their future life. For a simpler perception of the research objectives of students, the research was narrowed down to the topic of building relationships with robots, which are one of the pillars of Industry 4.0. The research methods are based on the literature studies and an experiment conducted among the students graduating from economic faculties and entering a strongly changing labour market. The experiment was qualitative. The students wrote a short essay on the topic of whether a friendship between a human and a robot is possible. One group of students was shown a short emotional clip about the relationship between the boy and the robot. Regardless of the attempt to influence the message with a film, both groups of students hardly noticed the negative effects of digitisation on building relationships and social trust. The relationship between human being and advanced technology will develop in the future, which will result in the emergence of new relationships between humans and artificial intelligence.