Newly published today in the RSA Regions and Cities Book Series, Sustainable Development and Industry 4.0 in Europe, by Erika Džajić Uršič, Tamara Besednjak Valič, Alenka Pandiloska Jurak, Urška Fric.
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).
Erika Džajić Uršič, one the authors said:
“Europe’s green and digital transitions will not succeed through technology alone. Industry 4.0 must be embedded in circular economy principles, enriched by the transformative capacity of cultural and creative industries, supported by social investment, and adapted to regional realities. The Slovenian experience shows that lasting change emerges when policy, innovation, communities, and local knowledge work together—turning technological progress into a resilient, inclusive, and climate-neutral future.” – Erika Džajić Uršič
Tamara Besednjak Valič said
“Cultural and creative industries can contribute to the transformation of regional ecosystems by linking creativity, digital innovation and circular practices. This role of CCIs can support more sustainable, resilient and socially inclusive development.”
Alenka Pandiloska Jurak said
“To avoid deepening social stratification and to increase receptiveness to technological innovation, the design of green policies must also take into account how their implementation affects societal well-being.”
Urška Fric said
“The circular economy, a concept for the efficient use of primary resources, can be achieved through different approaches. It is therefore necessary to know where, when, why, and how to apply each approach.”
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.