🚀 Why is the Human Factor Still Decisive in Industrial Transformation?

[Elif Özaksu]

Focusing on Technology Isn't Enough: Human Power is Essential!​

When industrial transformation is mentioned, automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence immediately come to mind. However, my many years of experience in the sector show that the key to success or failure lies not in technology, but in people.

People Make the Difference, Not Tools!​

What makes a business stand out is not the tools it uses, but what its employees achieve with those tools. Identifying the right systems, adapting them to challenging conditions, and intervening at critical moments; these are what reveal the power of the human factor.

🛠️ Talent Gap and Solutions in Engineering​

The talent gap in the engineering sector has been an ongoing problem for years. This gap is widening further as experienced professionals retire. To solve this problem, investing in young talent is essential. At ABB, we are trying to close this gap by reaching out to and supporting students from disadvantaged groups.

The qualities we look for in candidates are not limited to technical knowledge. Curiosity, resilience, transferable skills, and the right attitude are the fundamental qualities that set them apart.

🤝 Bringing People Along on the Journey of Change​

Change doesn't happen with announcements alone. While technical training is important, coaching and mentoring have a much greater impact. Senior engineers transferring their knowledge to younger generations and building face-to-face relationships play a critical role in the adoption of change.

It is essential for leaders to actively participate in this process and set an example. Leadership must demonstrate that change is a top priority. The return on this investment provides significant long-term advantages to the business.

🤖 Automation Does Not Eliminate People​

Autonomous operations are coming, but this does not mean that people will completely disappear. As in the example of aviation, no matter how advanced automation becomes, control will always remain with a human. Although the nature of work changes, the need for people never disappears.

Complex engineering projects such as the electrification of the Sangachal terminal in Azerbaijan or the HyNet carbon capture project in the UK require expert human power. Artificial intelligence can support these processes, but it cannot manage them. Even massive wind farms like Dogger Bank, even if they operate autonomously, require people to operate, maintain, and upgrade them.

🎯 What Should a Future-Ready Workforce Look Like?​

Pressures such as energy security, affordability, and sustainability will continue to increase the demand for skilled engineers. To meet this demand, organizations need to change the way they invest in people.

• Expanding the talent pool, not sticking to traditional channels.
  
• Viewing reskilling and mentoring as core business activities.
  
• Leadership making workforce development a genuine priority.
  

Technology will constantly change. However, organizations that see their people as a true differentiator will be able to adapt to this change and continue to succeed in the future.