The Drivolution Agenda aims to promote the creation of a model for the Factory of the Future, based on actions that contribute to the four pillars of the Recovery and Resilience Plan: digital transition; ecological transition; smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth; and economic resilience. In this perspective, an analysis of the challenges and needs of the automotive sector was carried out. The goal is that the response to the challenges underlying the energy transition and digital transformation in the automotive sector will create the foundations for smart, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. Regarding the energy transition, the shift to the production of vehicles with hybrid and electric engines requires, from the outset, a vast set of modifications, both in terms of vehicle components and in terms of adapting production processes. Also, regarding the components, it is increasingly important to develop lighter products using alternative materials, reducing dependence on fossil raw materials. The energy transition therefore requires several changes for the automotive industry, with companies needing to increase the sophistication of existing products in their portfolios, reevaluate them, and especially assess their carbon footprint and find ways to reduce it, as the preference will be for more sustainable options.
For an effective transition, it is extremely relevant to train human resources and attract new talent, based on establishing partnerships with non-business entities in the research and innovation system. Digital transformation is another major challenge for the automotive industry, being an essential point for an effective energy transition and, as such, for the construction of the Factory of the Future. Investment in the digitization of operations is a current necessity, requiring companies to invest in new technologies and significantly improve their production processes, as well as train and hire qualified and specialized labor. Process automation will allow gains in productivity and greater control of production, enabling better process management. The transition to this new model should be gradual, with the adaptation of human resources to new processes.
To address the existing gaps for the transition of the automotive sector, the Drivolution Agenda was designed, based on 5 lines of action: Digitalization, Industry 5.0, Safety and Ergonomics, Materials, and Specialized and Digital Training.
