Industrial revolution - industry 4.0: Are German manufacturing SMEs the first victims of this revolution?
Abstract: Industry 4.0
represents a special challenge for businesses in general and for SMEs in
particular. The study at hand will examine companies´ awareness, readiness and
capability to meet this challenge taking into account the special role of SMEs.
Methodology: The results of nine studies dealing with this range of
topics are examined in the framework of a systematic review and compared with
regard to the objective of the study at hand.
Findings: The review showed that, as a rule, there is an awareness
concerning the relevance of the topic. The readiness and the capability to meet
this challenge exist in parts; however, they strongly depend on the enterprise
size. The smaller SMEs are, the higher the risk that they will become victims
instead of beneficiaries of this revolution.
Originality/value: Considering different studies concerning Industry 4.0
the article gives an insight into the dependence of the Industry 4.0 readiness
in reference to the company size. This deepens the knowledge in adaption
deficits German SME still have and opens different approaches for further
research and action plans.
Author: Lutz Sommer
Journal Code: jptindustrigg150079
