In the contemporary landscape of Industry 5.0, where the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human capabilities defines a paradigm shift in digital transformation, the pivotal role of mentorship has become paramount. Recognized globally as a highly effective learning and development process, mentoring is indispensable across various industries and sectors. While traditional mentorship models like senior-junior partnerships have had their time, the rapid evolution of the digital era is giving rise to new mentoring practices, particularly in Industry 5.0.

In Digital Mentorship, authors embark on a comprehensive exploration of digital mentoring within the landscape of Industry 5.0, elucidating the crucial interplay between human mentoring and AI in the digital age. Covering a spectrum of topics, this study begins with an overview of Industry 5.0 and the significance of mentoring in contemporary contexts. It navigates through the distinctions between traditional, online, and AI-powered mentoring, dissecting communication tools and technologies transformative impact on mentoring quality. The subsequent chapters delve into emotional competencies, leadership styles, recent trends, cross-cultural mentoring complexities, policy implications, multilevel impacts, ethical considerations, program evaluations, and speculative future scenarios. Drawing from diverse literature, this work serves as a compass, guiding readers through the multifaceted dimensions of digital mentoring in Industry 5.0, ultimately paving the way for nuanced discussions on the future of mentoring amidst the burgeoning influence of emerging technologies like AI.

Whether seeking to enhance mentoring programs, understand the impact of emerging technologies, or address ethical considerations, readers will find invaluable perspectives and practical insights to inform their research, policy-making, and professional endeavours in an increasingly digital world.

Dr Shikha Gera is Assistant Professor in the Department of Management, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.

Dr Archana Shankar is Deputy Associate Dean and Head of the Department, MSc International Project Management, Northumbria University, London Campus, UK.