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Exploring the digital capabilities and workforce skills required for a private utility to operate in society 5.0

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Twum-Darko

    (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa)

  • Trudy Abrahams

    (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa)

  • Lee-Anne Harker

    (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa)

Abstract

The paper explored the digital capabilities required by the private utility environment to participate and remain competitive in Society 5.0. The development of a digital infrastructure for power utilities within a smart society, utilizing renewable energy and integrating traditional and renewable sources, presents challenges in identifying the specific skills required for effective operation within Society 5.0. While technologies like virtual power plants, smart grids, and microgrids offer potential for enhanced energy management, there is a significant gap in understanding the workforce capabilities needed to support, maintain, and sustain these advanced systems. Therefore, a thorough assessment of the proposed technological structures and requisite skills is essential to ensure successful implementation and operation in this evolving energy landscape. It investigated the type of skills would the workforce require for a private utility to support a super-smart society. A non-probability sampling strategy was utilised to access the entire interest set. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were performed, with the participants featuring a private utility company’s management, administrative, and technical staff. All interviews conducted were recorded after obtaining consent from the participants. Probing questions were asked until the participants supplied the information needed to address the study questions. The findings and the implications are that management and technical staff responsible for managing and coordinating the activities of utilities (water and electricity) and the technical staff responsible for the implementation and maintenance of energy solutions, in a private utility company were interviewed to establish and ascertain their digital capabilities and preparedness for the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions (Society 5.0).

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Twum-Darko & Trudy Abrahams & Lee-Anne Harker, 2024. "Exploring the digital capabilities and workforce skills required for a private utility to operate in society 5.0," International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), Bussecon International Academy, vol. 6(5), pages 50-56, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:adi:ijbess:v:6:y:2024:i:5:p:50-56
    DOI: 10.36096/ijbes.v6i5.648
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    References listed on IDEAS

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