Sustainable Development and Industry 4.0 in Europe

The book dissects the intricate relationship between Industry 4.0 and sustainable development in Europe and seamlessly weaves together theoretical insights and practical applications. It presents tangible approaches to circular economy implementation, with real-world examples from Slovenia.

The accelerating convergence of digital transformation and sustainability represents one of the most profound structural changes in contemporary Europe. This scientific monograph examines how Industry 4.0 technologies—artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, advanced data systems, and smart manufacturing—can be strategically embedded within the European Union’s sustainability framework. Bringing together perspectives from political economy, circular economy theory, innovation studies, and socio-economic analysis, the book explores important themes such as the European Green Deal and climate-neutrality targets, the role of Industry 4.0 in enabling sustainable industrial transformation, the circular economy approaches and best practices in Slovenia, the socio-economic implications of the green transition and the transformative potential of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). Through an interdisciplinary approach, the authors demonstrate that technological innovation alone is insufficient. Sustainable Industry 4.0 requires coordinated governance, social investment mechanisms, and regionally differentiated strategies to ensure that the green transition is both environmentally effective and socially inclusive. This monograph contributes to ongoing academic and policy debates on digitalisation, sustainability, and Europe’s strategic future.