dimensions of future of work
The presentation outlines a semiotic study of the industrial platform IndustriLAB (Hauts‑de‑France) conducted by Fatma Güneri and Brigitte Pezon for the InGRID‑2 Winter School. The research investigates how the lab is perceived externally through its Twitter activity (January‑October 2019). Using a two‑step method—frequency analysis of tweet words via Tagcrowd and expert semiotic interpretation of associated images—the study categorises visual content into five functional themes (demonstration, regional, communication, ecosystem, knowledge). Findings reveal that while the lab successfully projects an institutional, high‑tech, networking image, it under‑communicates its production activities and partner collaborations. The discussion contrasts these results with existing factory‑of‑the‑future literature. Six concrete recommendations are proposed for 2020: increase posting volume, showcase micro‑factory work, hire a social‑media specialist, strengthen university links, broaden training audiences, and highlight contributions to the aeronautics sector. The work aims to inform inclusive‑growth policies by improving the lab’s external communication and thereby its role in the future of work.
Topics
Motivation: Positioning IndustriLAB in the AI and Industry 4.0 Landscape
Explains why analysing the lab’s role as a promoter of emerging technologies (VR, AI, robotics, big data) is crucial for inclusive growth and the future of work.
Research Question & Sub‑questions: Gauging External Perception via Twitter
Defines the central inquiry—how is IndustriLAB perceived through its Twitter images—and four sub‑questions about word frequency, visual representation, high‑tech perception, and communication recommendations.
Semiotic Methodology: Tagcrowd Word Frequency + Expert Image Interpretation
Details the two‑phase approach: (1) extracting the most frequent tweet terms with Tagcrowd, (2) having a semiotics expert categorise and interpret the corresponding photos across five functional lenses.
Findings: Institutional Strengths vs Production Visibility Gaps
Summarises the dual outcome: strong institutional and networking image, but limited communication of on‑site production, micro‑factory activities, and partner collaborations.
Literature Alignment: Mapping Semiotic Themes to Future‑Factory Research
Compares the identified visual themes with scholarly frameworks on production structure, energy/resource flows, human factors, and spatial context from works such as Herrmann et al. (2014).
Recommendations for 2020: Six Concrete Communication Actions
Lists actionable steps—increase posting frequency, showcase micro‑factory work, hire a social‑media expert, strengthen university links, expand training to broader audiences, and promote aeronautics contributions.
Implications for the Future of Work and Inclusive Growth
Discusses how improved external perception of IndustriLAB can enhance its role in skill development, regional innovation ecosystems, and broader inclusive‑growth policies.