Industry 5.0 Readiness and Workforce Efficiency in Public Tertiary Institutions: The Mediating Role of Artificial Intelligence Capability and Digital Innovation.

Edodi; Hope Ukam; PhD; Okon; Emmanuel Ekpenyong; PhD; Emu; Winifred Harry; Itojong; Anthony Ayamba; Nkamare; Stephen Ekpo; PhD; Etta; Patricia Omini

doi:10.56201/wjimt.v10.no10.2026.pg97.108

Industry 5.0 Readiness and Workforce Efficiency in Public Tertiary Institutions: The Mediating Role of Artificial Intelligence Capability and Digital Innovation.

Edodi, Hope Ukam, PhD, Okon, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, PhD, Emu, Winifred Harry, Itojong, Anthony Ayamba, Nkamare, Stephen Ekpo, PhD, Etta, Patricia Omini

Abstract

The study examined the effect of Industry 5.0 readiness on workforce efficiency: the mediating role of Artificial Intelligence capability and digital innovation. This study adopted conceptual review method. Information was gathered using journals, published and unpublished journals, libraries and internet applications. Based on conceptual review, it was revealed that there was a positive effect of 5.0 readiness on workforce efficiency in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone. Also, there was a mediating role of artificial intelligence capability and digital innovation. The study concluded that Industry 5.0 readiness has become increasingly important as organizations embrace emerging. The study recommended that public tertiary institutions should strengthen their Industry 5.0 readiness by investing in digital infrastructure, improving employees' digital competencies, encouraging human–technology collaboration and developing institutional policies that support technological transformation. Also, management of public tertiary institutions should strengthen artificial intelligence capability through regular staff training, investment in appropriate AI tools, improved data management and the development of responsible AI-use policies. This will enable academic and non-academic staff to utilize AI technologies effectively to reduce repetitive tasks, improve decision-making and enhance workforce efficiency.

Keywords

Industry 5.0 readinessworkforce efficiencyArtificial Intelligence capabilitydigital innovationdata managementdigital competencieshuman–technology collaboration

References

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Industry 5.0 Readiness and Workforce Efficiency in Public Tertiary Institutions: The Mediating Role of Artificial Intelligence Capability and Digital Innovation.

Abstract

Keywords

References

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