The main goal of this paper is to present state-of-the-art as to the cutting-edge teaching and learning techniques and tools for delivering innovative higher education and training to the future generation of "knowledge workers". Starting from the best identified education experience, expected development of future digital tools for supporting and improving the learning experience is discussed. Tools, categorized for both hard and soft skills, required by the implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept are introduced. The paper describes how the Erasmus+ project IE3 tries to identify the most appropriate educational methodologies and tools for regular classes and innovative e-learning courses in industrial engineering and management (IE&M) for both university students and industry workforce. Finally, some examples from Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden are given on how higher education institutions and industry work closer together in order to prepare learners how to handle the knowledge and training requirements related to the realisation of the Industry 4.0 concept.