Technological Innovation and the Role of Smart Surveys in the Industrial Context

Technological innovation has significantly transformed the field of statistics, not only in data analysis but also in data collection. Traditional methods based on direct observation have evolved into hybrid approaches that combine passively collected data (e.g., from GPS or accelerometers) with active user input through digital interfaces. This evolution has led to Smart Surveys—next-generation tools that leverage smart devices, such as smartphones and wearables, to collect data actively (via questionnaires or images) and passively (via embedded sensors). Smart Surveys offer strategic value in industrial contexts by enabling real-time data collection on worker behavior, environments, and operational conditions. However, the heterogeneity of such data poses challenges in management, integration, and quality assurance. This study proposes a modular system architecture incorporating gamification elements to enhance user participation, particularly among hard-to-reach AcademicEditor: Sotirios Kontogiannis Received: 4July2025 Revised: 5August2025 Accepted: 5August2025 Published: 11 August2025 Citation: Giacalone, M.; Marciano, C.; Pipino, C.; Piscopo, G.; Marra, S. Technological Innovation and theRole of SmartSurveysintheIndustrial Context. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 8832. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15168832 Copyright: ©2025bytheauthors. Licensee MDPI,Basel,Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the termsand conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)license (https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/4.0/). worker segments, such as mobile or shift workers. By leveraging motivational strategies and interactive feedback mechanisms, the system seeks to foster greater engagement while addressing critical data security and privacy concerns within industrial Internet of Things (IoT) environments.