Are Learning Factories Truly Human-Centric?

This post is also available in the following languages: Euskara, Español

As part of our ongoing research into the future of education and training, we recently analysed the ongoing design of 22 learning factories across the Basque Country with one key question in mind: Is the human-centric factor truly integrated into their design?

Our analysis revealed a gap: most of the centers visited did not explicitly address human-centric design principles.

As Europe moves towards Industry 5.0, the human factor is no longer optional—it’s essential. Learning factories that fail to integrate human-centric principles risk missing their full potential: preparing future workers who are not just technically capable, but also innovative, inclusive, and adaptable.

This research highlighted a need for a shift in how learning factories are conceived and developed. Technology and automation are powerful tools, but without a strong human-centric vision, they can fall short of creating truly transformative learning environments.