Industry 4.0 Technologies (I4Ts) and Circular Economy (CE) in SMEs:

Overview

Small Mediums Enterprises play a crucial role in the UK and Australian economies by providing jobs and offering valuable products and services. Yet, in contrast to their positive impact, SMEs have negative externalities related to resource use, carbon emission and the generation of waste streams. The circular economy concept has emerged as a major paradigm shift to carbon-neutral and resource-efficient manufacturing. This interdisciplinary research collaboration will bring together four research groups across Warwick and Monash with complementary competencies. They will address the challenges SMEs in the UK and Australia face while adopting Industry 4.0 technologies and how these technologies will enable them to transition to a circular economy and ensure long term sustainability.

Professors Sohal and Choudhary will address the research question, "How the adoption of Industry 4.0, which combines  technologies including the Internet of Things, big data and 3D printing etc., will enable SMEs to transition from  linear to a circular economy” This interdisciplinary project involves researchers with expertise in both I4Ts and CE from Monash and Warwick.

Aims/objectives

By advancing research on this topic, they aim to strengthen the Warwick-Monash strategic partnership and ensure its long-term sustainability by applying for a significant external research grant through ARC and UKRI. The outcome of this research agenda will create research impact by enhancing SMEs' productivity, sustainability and prosperity through regional growth and job creation. The proposed research aligns with the research priorities of the respective research groups, their departments/facilities and with the research priorities of both universities as demonstrated in Monash University’s strategic plan and Impact 2030 document and similarly in the University of Warwick’s research strategy document¹ and included in the six priority of research including interdisciplinary, global reach and significance, partnerships, innovation and excellence with impact.

Principle applicants

Professor Amrik Sohal Faculty of Business and Economics - Monash University	Professor Alok Choudhary Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine - University of Warwick

Co-applicants

Dr Matthieu Gresil - Monash University

Dr Hamid Moradlou - University of Warwick