Social innovation and digital transformation: education for older adults within the framework of Industry 4.0

Abstract

The article proposes a social innovation strategy using university social service to promote the digital inclusion of older adults in the context of Industry 4.0. Grounded in a change management approach, it empowers university students as agents of transformation, implementing tailored educational programs. A five-phase framework (design, implementation, evaluation, conceptualization, and dissemination) offers a scalable solution to the digital divide, training students in intergenerational methodologies and using clear impact indicators such as skills gained and intergenerational perceptions. Implemented at the Faculty of Accounting and Administration at UABC, the program achieved notable results: 90% of older participants gained basic digital skills, and 98% of students reported improved perceptions of older generations, with many eager to replicate the initiative. The strategy highlights the role of inclusive approaches in digital transformation, demonstrating the value of intergenerational collaboration and providing a replicable model for other educational and institutional contexts.