Redefining Sustainability in Industry 4.0: The Role of Indian Design Education

Industry 4.0, characterized by automation, data exchange, and smart technologies, is reshaping industrial and design processes globally. In India, where cultural heritage and resource constraints coexist, this revolution presents unique opportunities and challenges for sustainable development. This study explores how Indian design education can bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and emerging technologies to foster sustainability. Using a qualitative research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 educators, industry professionals, and students, alongside case studies of the National Institute of Design (NID) and an IIT design program. Findings reveal significant curriculum gaps in digital fluency and sustainable design, limited access to Industry 4.0 tools in rural institutions, and the untapped potential of traditional crafts for sustainable innovation. Recommendations include curriculum reforms integrating IoT and AI with indigenous practices, industry-academia partnerships, and policy interventions to address infrastructure disparities. This study underscores the need for a localized, interdisciplinary approach to prepare designers for sustainable Industry 4.0 practices while preserving India's cultural heritage.