A dynamic capabilities approach of Industry 4.0: the experiences of managers operating in two emerging economies.

Oanh Thi Kim Vu, Abel Duarte Alonso*, M. Alejandra Buitrago Solis, Samuel Goyzueta, Trung Nguyen, Robert McClelland, Thanh Duc Tran, Ngan Nguyen, Hoa Thi Ngoc Huynh, Erhan Atay

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) through the lens of the dynamic capabilities framework. Contrary to most existing research, this study chooses a cross-national viewpoint, exploring companies operating in two emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 80 company managers operating in eight industries in Vietnam and Bolivia. The chosen inductive analysis was supported by qualitative content analysis and data structure.

Findings
The analysis reveals 13 conceptual dimensions. For instance, sensing opportunities underlines tangible and intangible “direct prospects”, such as enhanced accuracy, speed and cost effectiveness, whereas “operational management pressures” (sensing threats) identify the dilemma of changing individuals’ mindset, recruitment and addressing financial needs. While there is an overall agreement in key dimensions, differences between managers from both countries also arise, including staff’s adaptation and constant upskilling.

Originality/value
Empirically, this study responds to calls for cross-national studies investigating I4.0 initiatives. In doing so, the data gathered from company managers engaged in business in emerging economies afford new perspectives, with practitioner value. Theoretically, the numerous dimensions emerging from the data analysis provide useful conceptual insights to understand managerial aspects in considering and adapting to I4.0 expectations and requirements. These insights are reinforced by the development of a conceptual model that illuminates the initiatives, efforts and challenges of embracing this phenomenon.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)137-160
Number of pages24
JournalEuropean Business Review
Volume35
Issue number2
Early online date27 Dec 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Feb 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Industry 4.0
  • Dynamic capabilities
  • Management
  • Cross-national approach

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