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About

Dr. Angela Liew is a leading voice in the discourse on the future of work, specializing in the human-centric implications of Industry 4.0, particularly within small economies and enterprises. Her most influential work, "Operator 4.0 or Maker 1.0? Exploring the implications of Industrie 4.0 for innovation, safety and quality of work in small economies and enterprises" (2018), has garnered 61 citations, establishing a foundational critique of automation narratives. Dr. Liew challenges the prevailing "Operator 4.0" model—which envisions humans as augmented assistants to machines—by proposing the "Maker 1.0" alternative, where workers retain creative agency and hands-on craftsmanship. Her research critically examines how automation impacts innovation, workplace safety, and job quality, arguing that small enterprises risk losing their competitive edge in innovation if they uncritically adopt large-scale automation. By centering the perspectives of smaller economic actors often overlooked in Industry 4.0 debates, Dr. Liew’s work provides essential guidance for policymakers and business leaders seeking to balance technological advancement with meaningful, safe, and innovative human work. Her scholarship is vital for anyone interested in sustainable and equitable industrial transformation.