Abstract:

As Industry 4.0 transforms business models and accelerates the digitalization of economic sectors, higher education institutions must proactively equip students with the digital skills and competencies required in emerging job markets. This paper presents a competency-based framework for integrating Industry 4.0-related digital skills into the E-Business and Management study program at a Slovak university.

The study includes a targeted questionnaire survey conducted among students at both bachelor’s and master’s levels within the program, aimed at identifying existing skill levels, practical experiences, and expectations related to digital technologies. Data were collected using a combination of electronic and paper-based questionnaires, with a total of 147 valid responses. Key focus areas include data literacy, artificial intelligence tools, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital platform-based management.

Based on an analysis of employer needs across sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and eGovernment, and complemented by student feedback, the study proposes the integration of these competencies through innovative teaching methods, such as project-based learning, digital simulations, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The results demonstrate that embedding such digital competencies improves graduate employability and prepares students for the demands of digitally transformed industries. The paper concludes with curriculum development recommendations designed to align academic content with the strategic requirements of Industry 4.0.

Keywords:

Digital skills, Industry 4.0, Digitization, Competence, Employability.