This interview is an excerpt from our The Current State of the Global Manufacturing Workforce in 2025 and Beyond report and is part of our Modern Workforce Leader Series: Manufacturing Edition. The series spotlights interviews with manufacturing industry experts including this conversation with Usman Ikhlaq, Program Manager for Artificial Intelligence at techUK. Usman works at the intersection of strategy and implementation, so he understands the practical challenges and opportunities manufacturers face.
- What are the biggest workforce challenges currently facing the manufacturing sector in EMEA?
The manufacturing sector in EMEA is currently navigating several workforce related challenges. One of the most prominent is the growing skills gap, with many employers struggling to find workers equipped with the technical expertise needed to support modern, technology driven manufacturing processes. This is further impacted by the loss of skilled talent to international opportunities, as professionals seek roles abroad that offer competitive growth prospects.
The ageing workforce is another concern, with many experienced employees nearing retirement. Without effective succession planning and knowledge transfer, organisations risk losing valuable expertise and operational continuity. At the same time, there is an opportunity to modernise the sector, showcasing manufacturing as a dynamic, tech driven field to better engage the next generation of talent.
Advanced manufacturing is driven by innovation, sustainability and advanced technologies. By actively telling this story, we can inspire students and early career professionals to see it as a place for long term, meaningful careers.
- And what are some of the biggest workforce opportunities in EMEA?
EMEA is entering a pivotal era of technological transformation. With advancements in AI, robotics and data-driven systems, there is a tremendous opportunity to upskill and reskill the existing workforce. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, it should be framed as an exciting pathway for employees to future proof their careers and remain at the forefront of innovation. By embedding continuous learning into workplace culture, employers can build stronger, more adaptive teams.
Supporting employees to build AI literacy and digital fluency is key, not only to ease concerns around labour market disruptions but also to empower workers to thrive alongside these technologies. We are also seeing a rise in highly automated facilities, sometimes referred to as “dark factories,” particularly in parts of Asia and Europe.
Whilst these developments are often associated with full automation, the reality is more nuanced. As these systems become more advanced, there is a growing need for skilled human oversight, including roles in systems management, maintenance, programming and quality assurance.
- In your experience, how are manufacturers embracing innovation and adopting AI in EMEA? Are they adapting fast enough?
2025 is widely regarded as a landmark year for AI adoption across enterprises. Industrial AI is a revolutionary technology that offers many benefits, ranging from process automation to supply chain resilience. However, adoption within industrial settings, particularly in advanced manufacturing and research and development intensive sectors, may lag behind overall enterprise expectations.
According to a recent Thomson Reuters report (2024), industrial AI is most commonly applied in areas like energy management and predictive maintenance, with only about 17 to 21 percent of respondents stating that industrial AI is being used today. It is clear that more action is required to realise the full potential of AI technologies in advanced manufacturing. Whilst progress is promising, continued collaboration between technology providers, governments, educational institutions and industry players will be vital to accelerate adoption.
These partnerships help close knowledge gaps, facilitate practical implementation and ensure innovation delivers sustainable value. Many manufacturers have already begun investing in pilot programs, forming innovation hubs and rethinking operational models. With ongoing support and cross sector cooperation, the region is well positioned to meaningfully advance its digital transformation journey.
- How can leaders develop their workforce and engage their people, especially in light of disruptive technologies in EMEA?
Leadership during periods of disruption requires clarity, empathy, and a strong strategic vision. To prepare their workforce for emerging technologies such as AI, leaders must first establish a clear roadmap that connects innovation to business goals and communicate it transparently across the organisation.
Building trust in technology is key. At the same time, it involves creating inclusive environments where employees are empowered to be part of the change through training, innovation programs, and open dialogue. Ultimately, the most forward-thinking leaders are fostering cultures of curiosity and continuous learning, where people feel supported.
- Finally, what is your overall outlook for the sector over the next 12 months in EMEA? Who will be the winners in EMEA?
The outlook for manufacturing in EMEA over the next year is cautiously optimistic. Whilst analysts are divided, some anticipating moderate growth and others predicting faster acceleration, there are encouraging signs. Expected interest rate cuts from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England could boost investment and stimulate demand across the sector.
Particularly in areas like advanced manufacturing and AI, countries such as the UK and France are attracting increased foreign direct investment, supported by strong R&D ecosystems and government initiatives. The region’s well established AI hubs and skilled talent pools make it a natural destination for innovation driven growth. The winners will be those who invest in both technology and talent. Organisations that take proactive steps to modernise, reskill and build resilient operations will be best placed to thrive regardless of how fast the external environment shifts.
For manufacturers to remain competitive, they’ll need to overcome challenges like changing worker demographics and an ever-widening skills gap. These pressures require manufacturers to rethink their workforce management practices to overcome obstacles for digital transformation and discover how workforce management solutions can help them meet business goals.
Read more perspectives from industry experts and essential industry trends in our report, ‘The Current State of the Global Manufacturing Workforce in 2025 and Beyond’
