This is how we upskill future leaders to drive the digital transformation of manufacturing

As industries worldwide accelerate their digital transformation journeys, the demand for a workforce skilled in emerging technologies is at an all-time high. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation is reshaping manufacturing, yet many organizations struggle to find talent capable of navigating this shift.

Without urgent action, industries face talent shortages, operational inefficiencies and missed growth opportunities – delays only weaken a country’s global competitiveness.

Saudi Arabia is addressing this challenge through its Vision 2030 industrial transformation to expand its manufacturing base from 12,000 to 36,000 factories by 2035. It introduced the King Saud University Industrial Intelligence Programme to prepare a skilled workforce proficient in fourth industrial revolution technologies, able to lead the digital transformation of manufacturing.

It offers a structure and lessons learned informed by deep consultation that other economies may wish to emulate to enable the digital transformation of their manufacturing sectors.

The programme is a collaboration between the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Saudi Arabia and technology company Eyotic. It is designed to equip engineering students with essential skills in industrial intelligence to lead the digital transformation of manufacturing.

It is structured in three phases: theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry engagement. Students gain hands-on experience in operational technology, including manufacturing execution systems, automation and change management.

The structured framework involves the ecosystem’s key stakeholders: the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, King Saud University and industries.

Engagement with these parties and skill gap assessments have led to an industry-driven curriculum with modular, application-focused training. The training’s implementation incorporates any local challenges and necessary cultural alignment, including prioritizing hands-on learning through apprenticeships and industry collaborations.

The programme also strengthens ties between industry and academia through advisory boards. Its scalability and sustainability are encouraged through certifications, lifelong learning and upskilling to enhance workforce adaptability.

Students participate in immersive, hands-on training, giving them practical experience via mock audits and factory assessments. They meticulously analyze processes, identify inefficiencies and propose actionable improvements in compliance, quality control and operational workflows.

A key training component involved simulating a “manufacturing execution system,” providing applied knowledge of how digital solutions can streamline operations, enhance decision-making and optimize production efficiency.

Students’ experience of integrating advanced technologies in real-world settings prepares them to navigate and address the complexities of modern manufacturing with confidence, problem-solving skills and expertise.

This approach aims to strengthen their technical competencies and nurture their ability to lead digital transformation in the manufacturing sector.

Partnerships between academic institutions, leading technology providers and manufacturing firms ensure the curriculum closely aligns with current industry trends and needs.

Students get valuable expert insights through guest lectures, workshops and interactive sessions, addressing key market challenges, technological innovations and best practices. The curriculum is specifically designed to meet local industry requirements, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as industrial IoT, AI and the latest manufacturing advancements.

Students engage in problem-solving scenarios that simulate real-world challenges, equipping them with the practical experience for seamless workforce integration. Furthermore, strong industry connections facilitate job placements and internships so students acquire the essential skills and real-world exposure to succeed in an increasingly dynamic and evolving sector.

Industry representatives also sit on university advisory boards to offer insight into trends and needed skills while providing mentorship and technical expertise.

Regular review sessions allow industry experts to assess and recommend adjustments to academic programmes to ensure their relevance. Universities and industries co-fund research projects, pooling resources and infrastructure, while companies actively recruit top-performing students for internships or full-time employment.

Surveys and focus groups help gauge how effective academic programmes are, while government initiatives may provide funding or financial incentives to encourage partnerships. Additionally, universities and industry players collaborate on hackathons, startup incubators and product development programmes to drive innovation and foster a dynamic learning environment.

The programme fosters a vibrant professional community that encourages long-term engagement between students and the local industrial ecosystem. Through various networking initiatives, students are able to connect with their peers, faculty, professionals and alumni, gaining valuable insights into emerging manufacturing and technology trends.

They actively participate in industry events, discussions and collaborative efforts with companies and thought leaders, to enhance their understanding of market dynamics. The programme also offers mentorship opportunities with career guidance, supporting personal and professional growth.

Additionally, students gain access to a network of local manufacturers and tech innovators, facilitating collaboration, resource sharing and knowledge exchange. Ongoing support to alumni as they transition into their careers aims to maintain a strong connection between graduates and the industry, ensuring their ongoing professional development.

This approach has resulted in tangible outcomes:

The programme offers localized expertise, tailoring industrial intelligence frameworks to meet the specific needs of Saudi factories rather than generic global solutions. It also focuses on sustainable workforce development and building a long-term talent pipeline to reduce dependency on foreign expertise.

The emphasis on change leadership ensures that digital transformation initiatives lead to meaningful and lasting outcomes. Following the pilot’s success, the initiative will enrich the curriculum with more insights and practical activities, expanding its reach to more universities and technical institutes.

It will also develop research and development (R&D) partnerships with fourth industrial revolution companies to provide real-world problem-solving opportunities. Additionally, the programme aims to promote entrepreneurship by mentoring students and offering valuable industry connections to help them launch ventures.

Participant and industry feedback also revealed several areas to work on. For example, intense academic schedules limited students’ availability for factory visits, prompting the need for alternative engagement methods.

Discussions with manufacturing managers highlighted a strong demand for similar training programmes tailored for professionals, creating new collaboration opportunities. Students and industry partners also emphasized the potential to broaden the programme’s scope to include software engineering and R&D labs, enhancing its impact and reach.

Therefore, by focusing on the unique challenge of advancing manufacturing through a technically adept labour supply, the sector worldwide can fulfil its growth, efficiency and sustainability goals well into the future.