Publication Type

PhD Dissertation

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

3-2025

Abstract

Singapore’s manufacturing sector, contributing 22% to the nation’s GDP, is undergoing a strategic transformation under the Manufacturing 2030 vision, which aims to increase sector value by 50%. However, a critical challenge emerges in the widening age gap among craftsmen, particularly between 30 and 50 years old, misaligning with succession planning efforts. As senior craftsmen approach retirement, the urgency to transfer specialized expertise significantly increases. In response, initiatives such as the National AI Strategy (NAIS) 2.0 and Industry 5.0 efforts by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) emphasize AI-driven solutions to enhance knowledge retention and workforce sustainability. Collaborated with both SMF and ARTC, this study examines craftsmen’s willingness to share knowledge with AI-powered digital twins—virtual replicas that leverage real-time data, machine learning, and simulation for enhanced decision-making and skill acquisition. While digital adoption in heavily automated manufacturing environments has been slow due to operational paradigms prioritizing efficiency and cost reduction, AI digital twins offer a potential solution to bridge the succession gap. However, craftsmen’s adoption of such technologies is influenced by contextual factors, including situational uncertainty, specialization, and gaps in succession planning. Using a triangulated mixed-methods approach, quantitative assessments and qualitative interviews with craftsmen, team leaders, and industry stakeholders have been conducted. Our findings suggest that craftsmen demonstrate greater willingness to engage with AI digital twins when faced with unanticipated challenges beyond routine tasks, rather than through voluntary adoption alone. Concerns over redundancy and diminished seniority may contribute to resistance, yet AI digital twins can facilitate skill acquisition, problem-solving, and knowledge transfer, ensuring craftsmen remain competitive. This study will benefit shareholders, management, craftsmen and academia as change management takes place to retain this invaluable asset of the organization.

Keywords

Craftsmanship, craftsmen, artificial Intelligent, AI-powered digital twins, AI digital-twin, digital-twin, human-centric AI, AI adoption, digital adoption, uncertainty, specialization, succession planning, succession readiness, gap in succession planning, ai_thinkmate, ai_coLearner, ai_trainer, new manufacturing era

Degree Awarded

PhD in Business (General Management)

Discipline

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | Industrial Organization | Technology and Innovation

Supervisor(s)

GENG, Xuesong

First Page

1

Last Page

129

Publisher

Singapore Management University

City or Country

Singapore

Copyright Owner and License

Author

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