Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine the Industry 5.0 paradigm which emphasizes the three pillars of sustainability, resilience, and social fairness, aiming to bring back the human factor to the center of the production processes. This concept represents a significant step forward from the previous Industry 4.0, which prioritized digitization and artificial intelligence. After carrying out a review of the scientific literature on the topic of Industry 5.0 this study explores the perspectives of students about to enter the workforce, to assess their readiness and expectations. A survey conducted among Austrian and Italian students in 2023 reveals insights into their preparedness, giving a particular accent on cross-cultural differences. This comparative analysis offers a valuable contribution to understanding student readiness for the next industrial revolution.