Abstract

This paper investigates the evolving demands of business communication in the context of Industry 4.0, particularly focusing on intercultural and interdisciplinary interactions within high-tech companies. Through an ongoing study of intercultural business communication training programs in Japan, the author examines the necessity of incorporating interdisciplinary factors into communication training. Drawing upon data from project-based collaborations between Japanese and Georgian university students, the study highlights the challenges of communication breakdowns in an extended and enlarged community of practice (ECoP). These interactions underscore the need for proficiency in both technical and intercultural communication skills, which are vital for thriving in a globally connected workplace. The paper advocates for a shift in training paradigms that addresses the complexities of Industry 4.0, encouraging learners to develop the capabilities required for strategic and creative activities across diverse, international environments.