This paper identifies skills required for workers in Industry 4.0 in France and provides insights to guide the development of a future research agenda. The research draws on a bibliometric analysis of 80 papers, mapping the technical and interpersonal skills needed for professionals to adapt and thrive in the evolving industrial landscape. The results highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach integrating competences in information technology, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, data analysis, project management, interpersonal skills, adaptability, and collaboration. This holistic approach to skills development reveals six major domains: Technical, Flexibility, Inter-Agency, Soft Skills, Innovation, and Information Technology. The conclusions emphasize that the interconnection between these domains is essential to prepare a workforce capable of meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities of Industry 4.0 in France. The research shows that there is a need for a multidisciplinary and integrated approach that combines technical and interpersonal skills in Industry 4.0 activities. It provides a solid foundation for formulating talent development strategies and educational curricula aligned with the demands of Industry 4.0. By proposing a future research agenda, this study not only highlights key areas for further exploration—economic impact, public innovation policies, and curriculum adaptation—but also contributes to the evolution of human resources in the digital transformation era.

OBJETIVO: Identificar, na literatura, as características, benefícios e desafios associados ao modelo de jornada de trabalho de quatro dias (4DW).MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de artigos publicados em bases de dados internacionais (Web of Science, Science Direct e Scopus) entre 2019 e 2023, seguindo critérios de inclusão e exclusão previamente estabelecidos. Os estudos selecionados foram analisados quantitativa e qualitativamente por meio dos softwares Bibliometrix e NVivo, visando mapear tendências, benefícios e limitações do modelo 4DW.RESULTADOS: Dos 39 estudos inicialmente identificados, 15 cumpriram os critérios de elegibilidade. As evidências apontam que a redução de horas de trabalho pode elevar a produtividade, melhorar o equilíbrio entre vida pessoal e profissional, além de contribuir para o bem-estar dos funcionários. Contudo, a adoção do modelo também enfrenta barreiras significativas, tais como exigências setoriais, custos iniciais de implementação e resistências culturais e gerenciais.CONCLUSÕES: Embora emergente, a literatura sobre a jornada de trabalho de quatro dias indica potencial para melhorias na qualidade de vida e na eficiência organizacional, sobretudo em ambientes que valorizem a flexibilidade e a comunicação efetiva. Entretanto, a 4DW não se apresenta como uma solução única: sua aplicação requer estratégias adaptativas e políticas de suporte que contemplem variáveis econômicas, culturais e setoriais, de modo a garantir sua viabilidade e sustentabilidade no longo prazo.

This study investigates the technical, digital, behavioral, and innovation-related competencies required in the Portuguese context of Industry 4.0, integrating evidence from a systematic literature review and an empirical assessment of students’ perceptions. It also outlines priority directions for future research aligned with the country’s digital transformation agenda. A systematic literature review was conducted in Scopus, following predefined criteria, resulting in 18 scientific articles. Bibliometric techniques (RStudio and Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny) identified thematic trends and competency domains. Complementarily, a quantitative study was conducted with students in higher education, focusing on engineering, management, and technology. Participants evaluated 42 competencies in six domains, Technical, Flexibility, Inter-Agency Interaction, Soft Skills, Innovation, and Information Technology, using a nine-point Likert scale. Descriptive and comparative analyses identified perception patterns and domain gaps. The review shows growing national scientific production on Industry 4.0, highlighting competencies such as automation, programming, cyber-physical systems, data analytics, and innovation. Soft skills (communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and teamwork) also emerge as strategic. Empirical results reinforce this scenario: students report high importance but moderate performance. The largest gaps appear in Information Technology, Innovation, and Inter-Agency Interaction, particularly in human-machine interaction and data modeling. Behavioral competencies show the smallest discrepancies. Overall, the literature and empirical evidence indicate misalignments between educational preparation and the demands of Industry 4.0. The findings indicate the need for studies on curricular redesign for digital skills, development of pedagogical models for innovation and soft skills, organizational factors affecting technology adoption, and stronger university–industry collaboration. Advancing Portugal’s readiness for Industry 4.0 requires coordination between education, industry, and policymakers. Strengthening workforce qualifications depends on integrating technical expertise, digital literacy, socio-emotional competencies, and innovation capabilities to promote competitiveness, close skill gaps, and support the country’s transition to a digital and sustainable industrial landscape.