The fundamental technology components of the 4.0 revolution, such as Big Data, AI, and IoT, are facilitating the transition of industrial parks into a new age characterized by environmental sustainability and advanced intelligence - the green & smart era.
Reshaping the Future of Industrial Parks
Tesla's factory employs automated robots to meticulously assemble automobiles in accordance with the designated method, therefore enhancing production efficiency and minimizing expenses. General Electric's factories utilize AI and Big Data technology to monitor and evaluate machine performance, therefore reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency. Siemens' industrial parks utilize IoT technologies to efficiently monitor and regulate production processes, resulting in enhanced product quality and less waste. The industrial environment, such as the Kalundborg Eco-Industrial Park in Denmark, is designed to mimic a natural, circular ecology…
Humanoid robot in Tesla factory. Source: Tesla/YouTube
There is a corner of the fourth industrial revolution that is changing everything, and it is being opened up by technology slices in smart factories and smart industrial parks. Technologies such as Big Data, AI (artificial intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), Edge Computing (edge computing), and other similar technologies are the core elements of digital in this 4.0 industrial revolution.
Presently, conventional industrial parks are encountering issues pertaining to excessive energy consumption, environmental contamination, inadequate data administration, inefficient waste and resource management, resulting in wastage and pollution, among other concerns. Furthermore, the use of Industry 4.0 technology has the potential to address these issues and provide a more environmentally friendly and intelligent future for industrial parks.
Net Zero Opportunity
Technological solutions not only assist in resolving internal issues inside conventional industrial zones, but also facilitate the transition of enterprises and industrial zones to align with the prevailing trend of green transformation, which is the chosen growth direction of many countries.
Over 130 nations, including Vietnam, have pledged to achieve net zero emissions by the year 2050. Policies such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the proposed carbon legislation in the United States are establishing new regulations for the green production - green export paradigm. This strongly encourages parties to engage more extensively in the process of environmental sustainability.
Developing and converting green industrial zones is one of Vietnam's priorities to accelerate the process towards Net Zero.
During the Vietnam Industrial Park Real Estate Forum 2024, experts emphasized that the adoption of digital transformation in industrial parks will lead to a sustainable shift towards environmentally-friendly practices. This transformation will not only safeguard competitiveness but also enhance the park's appeal to investors, while ensuring continued worldwide opportunities for production and sales.
Present trends indicate that the industrial real estate sector is increasingly embracing environmentally-friendly practices throughout all phases, including real estate construction, operation, and manufacturing. Green industrial parks, particularly those aligned with ESG criteria (environment - social - governance), are increasingly favored by international investors in Vietnam and other nations in the area. Experts forecast that in the future, this will emerge as a novel competitive edge, supplanting price-based rivalry.
Cooperation for development
In Vietnam, in order to fulfill the objectives of the National Strategy and Green Development for the period of 2021–2030, as well as the government's pledge at COP26, it is necessary to transform and enhance old industrial parks in a sustainable manner, aligning with international standards. Nevertheless, there are still several obstacles and trials that lie ahead, necessitating collaboration from multiple entities in order to accomplish the objectives of sustainable development.
Mr. Ho Anh Thang, Director of TNTech Solutions, stated, “The implementation of digital transformation and green transformation in the industrial park sector might be likened to a relay race. International trade policies and legislation in countries establish the regulations, while enterprises act as the intermediaries. Technology companies will take the lead in utilizing technology to provide intelligent solutions for industrial parks. Next, proceed to hand over to the subsequent runners, namely industrial parks and corporations. Efficient collaboration, precision, speed optimization, and coordination are essential for achieving ultimate success collectively.
During the digital and green transformation process, it is essential for governments and enterprises to establish strategic cooperation networks that can effectively use resources and expertise, leading to the creation of added value and ongoing innovation. Collaboration will serve as the catalyst for progress and achievement in an ever more interconnected global landscape.