Executive summary The manufacturing sector is undergoing a critical transformation, driven by the rapid evolution of digital technologies, sustainability imperatives and shifting market dynamics and customer expectations. Legacy operating methodologies, while foundational, are no longer sufficient to address the increasing complexity and volatility. This white paper presents the Lighthouse Operating System (Lighthouse OS), a structured, open-source framework designed to integrate best-practice operational excellence with digital and sustainable practices to drive responsible industry transformation. Building upon the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN),1 a World Economic Forum initiative that identifies and recognizes the most advanced operational sites in the world, the Lighthouse OS aims to define a new way of working and build an improvement engine that helps manufacturers follow the path to excellence. If Lighthouses represent the current benchmark of operational excellence, then the Lighthouse OS is the structured approach that will enable more organizations to reach that level by providing guidance, best practices and a clear roadmap for transformation. The Lighthouse OS is structured around six core principles, which represent how operations are run day-to-day: adaptable and robust processes; connected and transparent flows; end-to-end synchronization; embedded sustainability; learning organization; and accelerated digital and data. These principles are mapped within a five-step maturity model, ensuring organizations can systematically progress towards operational excellence. The journey towards a successful Lighthouse OS requires a paradigm shift. The Lighthouse OS is being designed to be simple, practical and intuitive, ensuring accessibility for manufacturers at various levels of operational maturity. Its ambition is to be self-guided and open-sourced to foster collaboration and continuous improvement across industries. Moving forward, the initiative will focus on expanding pilot projects, validating the Lighthouse OS value and developing a digital platform to facilitate widespread adoption. The vision is for this platform to serve as a dynamic repository of best practices, enabling organizations to benchmark their progress, access relevant knowledge (e.g. use cases) and explore tailored recommendations for implementation viewed from the perspective of the operating principles. Manufacturers, technology providers and the public sector are invited to participate in the Lighthouse OS initiative, shaping the future of industrial operations. By engaging with this global effort, organizations can gain critical insights, drive continuous improvements and contribute to a more resilient, sustainable and digitally enabled manufacturing ecosystem.The Lighthouse Operating System shows the way to excellence in manufacturing. The Lighthouse Operating System: Driving Responsible Transformation 4

The Lighthouse Operating System 2025