Disruption in many supply chains has shown the vulnerability of global supply networks, especially resource-intensive ones, due to the simultaneous effects of pandemics and geopolitical crises. Reshoring and nearshoring strategies are the possible responses of manufacturing companies to disruptions in order to adapt to unforeseen events. The supply chain for the Italian ceramic sector, which is characterized by a high intensity of natural and energy resource consumption and a sourcing system with a high geopolitical risk, is examined in this study. The functional decomposition technique was used to analyze the supply chain; then, three scenarios were developed as potential remedies for the unexpected termination of Ukrainian plastic clay supply. The study also showed that complex issues require multifaceted analysis approaches, which is why a transdisciplinary approach was chosen. In addition, the analysis of the ceramic industry showed that nearshoring and reshoring strategies can reduce supply risk and have a positive impact on the environment. The study also showed how bringing extraction sources closer to factories significantly reduces CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere from transportation. The main contribution of this paper is the analysis of the complexity of supply chains in times of disruption, configuring reshoring and nearshoring options through transdisciplinarity.

This seminal study explores systemic sustainability within the Industry 5.0 paradigm, using the strategic lens of geoanthropology to shape the emerging concept of Industry 6.0. A transdisciplinary approach is adopted, integrating geoanthropological insights into the analysis of the Italian ceramic district. Seven key factors are considered: resource consumption, production dynamics, innovation, environmental impact, social impact, market dynamics, and economic impact. Historical events such as changes in Italian industrial policy, market slowdowns, and the COVID-19 pandemic are identified as significant for the sector. A contingent analysis tailored to the unique characteristics of the ceramic district provides an in-depth understanding of its challenges and opportunities. The incorporation of geoanthropology provides a transdisciplinary perspective that allows for an in-depth examination of the complex interactions between people and their environment in an industrial setting. The study highlights the central role of innovation, digitalization, and government policies in driving positive changes in production efficiency, market dynamics, and economic impact. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including the delicate balance between environmental sustainability and resource consumption, as well as the effective management of the social impacts of digitization. To address these challenges, a systemic sustainability index derived from geoanthropological insights is proposed as a pragmatic tool to measure and guide the development of sustainability initiatives in the ceramic district. The results of this study not only pave the way for new horizons in sustainability assessment but also provide valuable insights for industrial district managers to formulate strategies that foster organizational flexibility and resilience.

Smart manufacturing demands adaptive, scalable, and human-centric solutions for predictive maintenance. This paper introduces the concept of Agentic AI, a paradigm that extends beyond traditional multi-agent systems and collaborative AI by emphasizing agency: the ability of AI entities to act autonomously, coordinate proactively, and remain accountable under human oversight. Through federated learning, edge computing, and distributed intelligence, the proposed framework enables intentional, goal-oriented monitoring agents to form self-organizing predictive maintenance ecosystems. Validated in a ceramic manufacturing facility, the system achieved 94% predictive accuracy, a 67% reduction in false positives, and a 43% decrease in unplanned downtime. Economic analysis confirmed financial viability with a 1.6-year payback period and a €447,300 NPV over five years. The framework also embeds explainable AI and trust calibration mechanisms, ensuring transparency and safe human–machine collaboration. These results demonstrate that Agentic AI provides both conceptual and practical pathways for transitioning from reactive monitoring to resilient, autonomous, and human-centered industrial intelligence.

This study investigates how AI-driven innovations are reshaping manufacturing value chains through the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 6.0, particularly in resource-intensive sectors such as ceramics. Addressing a gap in the literature, the research situates the evolution of manufacturing within the broader context of digital transformation, sustainability, and regulatory demands. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews with key industry stakeholders and an extensive review of secondary data, to develop an Industry 6.0 model tailored to the ceramics industry. The findings demonstrate that artificial intelligence, digital twins, and cognitive automation significantly enhance predictive maintenance, real-time supply chain optimization, and regulatory compliance, notably with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). These technological advancements also facilitate circular economy practices and cognitive logistics, thereby fostering greater transparency and sustainability in B2B manufacturing networks. The study concludes that integrating AI-driven automation and cognitive logistics into digital ecosystems and supply chain management serves as a strategic enabler of operational resilience, regulatory alignment, and long-term competitiveness. While the industry-specific focus may limit generalizability, the study underscores the need for further research in diverse manufacturing sectors and longitudinal analyses to fully assess the long-term impact of AI-enabled Industry 6.0 frameworks.

The world is currently undergoing an unprecedented period of global disruption, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and escalating geopolitical tensions