The Role of Universities and Professional Institutes in Shaping Maintenance Education in the Fourth Industrial Era

Abstract

The 4th Industrial Revolution is driving the convergence of digital and physical technologies, reshaping industries globally. Even the traditionally conservative construction sector is embracing digitalization and automation. In this context, the paper addresses the state of maintenance and engineering education, focusing on the concrete building maintenance sector. This industry demands a workforce skilled in navigating the new technological landscape. However, traditional engineering education often lags behind technological advancements, leaving graduates unprepared to tackle evolving challenges. The decline in civil engineering students and the lack of emphasis on maintenance education in study plans further exacerbate this issue. On the other hand, the building maintenance market is expanding rapidly, indicating a demand for well-educated maintenance professionals. The paper proposes a comprehensive framework to reshape maintenance education by updating curricula, encouraging industry collaboration, and improving public awareness. It emphasizes integrating emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, practical experience, and lifelong learning to equip graduates for modern maintenance challenges.