AI digitalisation and automation of the apparel industry and human workforce skills

Abstract

AI digitalisation and automation are rapidly transforming the apparel industry, creating the need for a radical evolution of the workforce at all stages of apparel production. This study explores how AI digitalisation and automation is transforming the skills required by the human workforce as well as examined how the future workforce might be trained. The study employed a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 21 participants from 5 different countries. Findings indicate intellectual, innovative, and creative jobs will be in significant demand in the future of AI and automation. Results indicate digital and technical skills should be emphasised in training of employees, over soft skills. The study suggests that industry and academia must collaborate in identifying and forecasting future skills requirements of the apparel workforce, and that sustainable and ethical practices be followed in technology implementation within the future apparel industry.