Readiness and Skills in Adapting to Industry 5.0 of SMEs in Lower Central Region 1

บทคัดย่อ

This research aimed to study the readiness and skills of SMEs in the Lower Central Region 1 in adapting to Industry 5.0. The sample consisted of 400 SME entrepreneurs or business executives in the region. The results revealed that most SMEs still have small business structures, with fixed assets not exceeding 50 million baht and fewer than 50 employees. The importance given to adapting to digital technology was moderate (average 3.19). The highest importance was placed on adapting to digital technology (average 3.46), while the lowest was on automation in production processes (average 3.06). Overall readiness to enter Industry 5.0 was at a moderate level (average 3.10), with the highest readiness in AI, IoT, and Cloud (average 3.31), but low readiness in investment for organizational transformation toward Industry 5.0 (average 2.92).

The skill gap was found to be 0.589. Hypothesis testing using the t-test showed statistically significant differences at the .001 level for all skills. Emotional intelligence (t = 8.738, p < .001) and digital literacy (t = 7.665, p < .001) had the largest gaps, indicating high demand from entrepreneurs compared with the actual skills of employees. Although data analysis skills had the smallest gap (t = 5.774, p < .001), the difference was still statistically significant, reflecting the need for continuous development of these and other skills.

SMEs in the Lower Central Region 1 viewed Industry 5.0 as influencing competition in terms of quality and sustainability. However, SMEs in this region still face limitations in capital, human resources, and access to technology. The study suggests that the government should provide financial and digital infrastructure support, as well as training programs in soft skills and digital skills for employees, in order to enhance competitiveness and foster sustainable Growth of SMEs in the industry 5.0 era.