Ergonomics

Advancing Ergonomics in Evolving Work Systems for Transformative Futures: Nordic Perspectives and Global Implications

In the current global context, transformative futures refer to trajectories in which societies, economies, institutions, technologies, and human behaviour undergo fundamental structural change rather than incremental improvement or reconfiguration of existing systems. Such transformations encompass systemic change, alternative futures, paradigm shifts, technological advances (e.g., artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, robotics, digital twins, and quantum technologies), economic restructuring, societal change, institutional and governance transformation, and transitions toward more sustainable, resilient, and socially inclusive forms of development. Collectively, these transformations will have profound implications for the field of ergonomics, requiring new perspectives and approaches at both microergonomic and macroergonomic levels.
The editors of this Special Issue (SI) encourage submissions that address the key ergonomics challenges and opportunities associated with transformative futures. Tentative subject areas for this SI include:

1. Ergonomics in Industry 4.0 and 5.0 transformations: This theme examines how ergonomics research and developments guides organizations moving from automation focused Industry 4.0 to human centric, resilient, and sustainable Industry 5.0 paradigms. It connects directly with NES2026 topics such as Human Centred AI and Automation and Human Performance in Complex Systems.
2. Human–AI collaboration in intelligent work systems: Focusing on human AI teaming, explainability, cognitive task demands, and ergonomics methods for evaluating complex data driven environments, this theme draws on NES2026 topics including human AI teaming, AI trust, and cognitive ergonomics for complex data systems.
3. Resilient sociotechnical systems for evolving work environments: This theme addresses resilience, adaptability, and worker wellbeing in complex, interconnected social and technological systems. It aligns with NES2026 themes on optimizing performance and safety in complex socio-technical environments, such as transportation, changing education industry, advanced manufacturing, and the healthcare sector.
4. Ergonomics for sustainable and equitable work futures: Focusing on social, environmental, and organizational sustainability, this theme explores how ergonomics contributes to equitable and meaningful work, echoing NES2026’s emphasis on sustainability and social equity within ergonomically designed systems.
5. Sustainable productivity and new adaptive capacity roles of HFE: Sustainable productivity means improving the amount and quality of output produced without undermining the economic, social, and environmental resources needed to sustain that productivity over time. The challenges of sustainable productivity, directly linked to Triple Bottom Line objectives, will reshape key systemic functions of ergonomics research and development. How can these critical systemic challenges be addressed within the field of ergonomics?