Developing adaptability : becoming a 4IR ambidextrous engineer in South Africa

Abstract

Adaptability is key to coping with the disruptions brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and COVID-19. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Survey, analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility are the most sought-after core skills in 2025. Although researchers emphasise the central role of adaptability in coping with 4IR disruptions, little guidance is provided on how to become adaptable, particularly within engineering. Given this research gap, the article aims to: (1) examine if 3IR engineers are adaptable when faced with 4IR disruptions; (2) determine the kind of engineer that will be well-suited to cope and adapt to any disruptions faced during 4IR; and (3) investigate whether higher education institutions should modify engineering curricula to teach adaptability. The study adopted a qualitative design approach using online semi-structured interviews with 12 engineers currently working or teaching in the engineering industry. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. To explain the mechanisms involved in being a 4IR Ambidextrous Engineer, we propose the framework of the Adaptability Machine, which consists of the self-awareness central gear, intrapersonal gear, interpersonal gear and environmental gear. Drawing on the themes within this framework, we discuss the skills and environments conducive to coping with and adapting to any disruptions faced during 4IR. We conclude with a discussion of how higher education institutions could modify engineering curricula to assist engineering students in becoming 4IR ambidextrous engineers.