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Considering the importance and the broad applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in various organizations and industries and enjoying the many benefits of this digital transformation framework, organizations need to measure their Industry 4.0 readiness as a starting point and take steps to achieve the strategic goals of Industry 4.0. This study aims to design a comprehensive and practical model that can determine Industry 4.0 readiness level, allowing organizations to implement and exploit technological constituents of this phenomenon.

A systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was used to evaluate and summarize a clear and comprehensive literature overview of Industry 4.0 readiness models and to certify the validity and transparency of the review process. After reviewing 71 articles and survey and then the consensus of Industry 4.0 experts, the 10 dimensions of the 4.0 Industry readiness model were finalized with their indicators having the most frequency in the published articles and models.

The application of the SLR to the development of the new Industry 4.0 readiness model which includes 10 dimensions and 37 indicators and can assess the Industry 4.0 readiness of firms and industries accurately and effectively.

An extensive review of the previous literature yielded the current Industry 4.0 readiness model. The comprehensiveness of this model leads to its wide application in different companies. Future research suggestions are presented at the end of the manuscript.

The concept of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the application of its technologies are vague and complicated for many organizations and managers, while the need to implement the components and technologies of Industry 4.0 is essential to achieve organizational goals. The presented readiness model helps companies to measure their readiness to enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution and achieve long-term goals.

In this study, an attempt was made to examine the Industry 4.0 readiness models thoroughly and extensively and identify their different approaches. Finally, a comprehensive and multi-dimensional readiness model is presented to assess the position of organizations in order to enter Industry 4.0.

Recently, the concept of the circular economy (CE) has witnessed significant momentum in academic and professional circles. However, there is a dearth of research that studies the enabling factors of the CE in the era of digital transformation. The existing research aimed to identify the impact of Industry 4.0 readiness on the CE in manufacturing firms operating in Jordan, as well as to identify the mediating role of the industrial Internet of things and big data analytics.

For this work objectives, 380 questionnaires were analyzed. Convergent validity and discriminant validity tests were performed through partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in the Smart-PLS programme. Data reliability was confirmed. A bootstrapping technique was used to analyze the data and then hypothesis testing was performed.

The results indicate that Industry 4.0 readiness, industrial Internet of things (IIoT) and big data analytics positively enable CE, also the IIoT and big data analytics positively mediate the nexus between Industry 4.0 readiness and CE.

This study promotes the idea of focusing on Industry 4.0 readiness to enhance CE in the Jordanian manufacturing sector and knowing the effect of IIoT and big data analytics in this relationship.

This research developed a theoretical model to understand how Industry 4.0 readiness might enhance the CE in manufacturing firms by invoking the IIoT and big data analytics as mediating constructs in the relationship between Industry 4.0 readiness and CE. This paper offers new theoretical and practical contributions that add value to industry 4.0 and CE literature by testing these constructs' mediation models in the manufacturing sector.

Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and non-economic activities. Researchers have increasingly focused on the adoption and use of ICT by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the economic development of a country is largely dependent on them. Following the success of ICT utilisation in SMEs in developed countries, many developing countries are looking to utilise the potential of the technology to develop SMEs. Past studies have shown that the contribution of ICT to the performance of SMEs is not clear and certain. Thus, it is crucial to determine the effectiveness of ICT in generating firm performance since this has implications for SMEs’ expenditure on the technology. This research examines the diffusion of ICT among SMEs with respect to the typical stages from innovation adoption to post-adoption, by analysing the actual usage of ICT and value creation. The mediating effects of integration and utilisation on SME performance are also studied. Grounded in the innovation diffusion literature, institutional theory and resource-based theory, this study has developed a comprehensive integrated research model focused on the research objectives. Following a positivist research paradigm, this study employs a mixed-method research approach. A preliminary conceptual framework is developed through an extensive literature review and is refined by results from an in-depth field study. During the field study, a total of 11 SME owners or decision-makers were interviewed. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using NVivo 10 to refine the model to develop the research hypotheses. The final research model is composed of 30 first-order and five higher-order constructs which involve both reflective and formative measures. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed to test the theoretical model with a cross-sectional data set of 282 SMEs in Bangladesh. Survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire issued to SMEs selected by applying a stratified random sampling technique. The structural equation modelling utilises a two-step procedure of data analysis. Prior to estimating the structural model, the measurement model is examined for construct validity of the study variables (i.e. convergent and discriminant validity).

The estimates show cognitive evaluation as an important antecedent for expectation which is shaped primarily by the entrepreneurs’ beliefs (perception) and also influenced by the owners’ innovativeness and culture. Culture further influences expectation. The study finds that facilitating condition, environmental pressure and country readiness are important antecedents of expectation and ICT use. The results also reveal that integration and the degree of ICT utilisation significantly affect SMEs’ performance. Surprisingly, the findings do not reveal any significant impact of ICT usage on performance which apparently suggests the possibility of the ICT productivity paradox. However, the analysis finally proves the non-existence of the paradox by demonstrating the mediating role of ICT integration and degree of utilisation explain the influence of information technology (IT) usage on firm performance which is consistent with the resource-based theory. The results suggest that the use of ICT can enhance SMEs’ performance if the technology is integrated and properly utilised. SME owners or managers, interested stakeholders and policy makers may follow the study’s outcomes and focus on ICT integration and degree of utilisation with a view to attaining superior organisational performance.

This study urges concerned business enterprises and government to look at the environmental and cultural factors with a view to achieving ICT usage success in terms of enhanced firm performance. In particular, improving organisational practices and procedures by eliminating the traditional power distance inside organisations and implementing necessary rules and regulations are important actions for managing environmental and cultural uncertainties. The application of a Bengali user interface may help to ensure the productivity of ICT use by SMEs in Bangladesh. Establishing a favourable national technology infrastructure and legal environment may contribute positively to improving the overall situation. This study also suggests some changes and modifications in the country’s existing policies and strategies. The government and policy makers should undertake mass promotional programs to disseminate information about the various uses of computers and their contribution in developing better organisational performance. Organising specialised training programs for SME capacity building may succeed in attaining the motivation for SMEs to use ICT. Ensuring easy access to the technology by providing loans, grants and subsidies is important. Various stakeholders, partners and related organisations should come forward to support government policies and priorities in order to ensure the productive use of ICT among SMEs which finally will help to foster Bangladesh’s economic development.

Transformation to Industry 4.0 has become crucial for nations, and a coherent transformation strategy requires a comprehensive picture of current status and future vision. This study presents a comprehensive model for readiness assessment of nations based on rigorous analysis of several global indices and academic Industry 4.0 literature.

A holistic approach is taken considering overall socioeconomic development along with industrial innovation and seven readiness dimensions: enabling environment, human resource, infrastructure, ecological sustainability, innovation capability, cybersecurity and consumers. The indicators used for evaluation are standard metrics for which data are collected from reputed sources such as World Bank, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Economic Forum (WEF) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and hence internationally acceptable.

The formulated model is used to evaluate Industry 4.0 readiness of 126 economies that account for 98.25% of world’s gross national income. Observations show poor scores of most economies on innovation capability and cybersecurity dimension as compared to other 5 dimensions. In 75% countries, I4.0 readiness score is below 0.5 on a scale of 0–1(completely ready), highest being 0.65 for Denmark.

A systematic literature review revealed lack of assessment models discussing a nation's current status or readiness for Industry 4.0. This academic study is first of its kind.

Organizations use Industry 4.0 readiness models to evaluate their preparedness prior to the implementation of Industry 4.0. Though there are many studies on Industry 4.0 readiness models, the dimensions of readiness differ. Besides, there is no study empirically validating the readiness model in different sectors or types of organization. The purpose of this study is to conceptualize the dimensions of the Industry 4.0 readiness model and subsequently evaluate the criticality of these dimensions in manufacturing, service, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises (LEs).

The study uses an exploratory sequential mixed method design. In phase one, 37 senior managers participated through a purposive sampling frame. In phase two, 70 senior managers participated in an online survey.

The results of the study indicated that the Industry 4.0 readiness model has 10 dimensions. Further, the criticality of the dimensions as applied to different sectors and type of organizations is put forward. This study will help manufacturing, services, SMEs and LEs to evaluate Industry 4.0 readiness before commencing the deployment of Industry 4.0.

The findings can be very beneficial for Industry 4.0 practitioners and senior managers in different organisations to understand what readiness dimensions need to be considered prior to implementation of Industry 4.0 technology.

This paper makes an attempt to conceptualize the Industry 4.0 readiness model and utilizes an exploratory mixed method for critically evaluating the dimensions related to the model.

The purpose of this study is to identify factors that are important for logistics organizations from the perspective of manpower readiness for digitization of logistics operations. The study also prioritizes the identified factors and also evaluates the readiness index of manpower for the digitalization of logistics processes.

The factors for manpower readiness are identified through literature review and analysis of a case study. Three major categories of factors are identified. These are organizational, behavioural and technological factors. Under these three major categories of factors, 18 sub-factors are identified. Thereafter, with experts' inputs, the factors are prioritized using Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Further, a case illustration of an Indian logistics company has been taken to understand the current processes, technical capabilities, manpower skills and organization culture. After the case analysis and expert inputs, the manpower readiness index has been evaluated by using graph theory matrix approach (GTMA).

The prioritization of manpower readiness factors has been done using Fuzzy AHP. Organizational factors are found to be the most important factors which require quick attention. Sub-factors that are most important for building competencies in the logistics sector are providing the right training on functional skill development (0.129), top management support and commitment for digitalization (0.117), and organizational culture for process digitalization (0.114), etc. Finally, framework for evaluation of manpower readiness index for logistics operations in the digital age has been illustrated for a case company.

Indian logistics companies can benchmark their readiness index with respect to the best in the industry. Based on the readiness index, logistics companies can analyse their position, gaps from best and worst and can also identify potential areas for improvement.

The novelty of the study lies in the development of a framework for manpower readiness for digitalization in the logistics sector. In literature, this field is very less researched and provides the scope for developing strategies for improving manpower competencies for Industry 4.0. Logistics companies can improve their performance by making their manpower ready based on results obtained for readiness index.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the readiness factors for Industry 4.0 deployment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using complex proportionality assessment (COPRAS) methodology.

Industry 4.0 is vital for ensuring manufacturing competitiveness of SMEs. In order to facilitate Industry 4.0 adoption in SMEs, readiness factors need to be analysed. In this viewpoint, this article presents the analysis of readiness factors using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool COPRAS.

The priority of ranking of 15 readiness factors is obtained. The prioritized readiness factors would enable the smooth adoption of Industry 4.0 in SMEs.

The study has been done based on inputs from industry practitioners and hence the results have practical relevance.

The analysis of readiness factors for Industry 4.0 in SMEs using COPRAS is the original contribution of authors.

This study proposes the Smart SME Technology Readiness Assessment (SSTRA) methodology which aims to enable practitioners to assess the SMEs Industry 4.0 technology readiness throughout the end-to-end engineering across the entire value chain; the smart product design phase is the focus in this paper.

The proposed SSTRA utilises the analytic hierarchy process to prioritise smart SME requirements, a graphical interface which tracks technologies' benchmarks under Industry 4.0 Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs); a mathematical model used to determine the technology readiness and visual representation to understand the relative readiness of each smart main area. The validity of the SSTRA is confirmed by testing it in a real industrial environment. In addition, the conceptual model for Smart product design development is proposed and validated.

The proposed SSTRA offers decision-makers the facility to identify requirements and rank them to reflect the current priorities of the enterprise. It allows SMEs to assess their current capabilities in a range of technologies of high relevance to the Industry 4.0 area. The SSTRA assembles a readiness profile allowing decision-makers to not only perceive the overall score of technology readiness but also the distribution of technology readiness across the main smart areas. It helps to visualise strengths and weaknesses; whilst emphasising the fundamental gaps that require serious action to assist the program with a well-balanced effort towards a successful transition to Industry 4.0.

The SSTRA provides a step-by-step approach for decision-making based on data collection, analysis, visualisation and documentation. Hence, it greatly mitigates the risk of further Industry 4.0 technology investment and implementation.

Industry 4.0 is recognised as a competitive strategy that helps implementers optimise their value chain. However, its adoption poses several challenges. This study investigates and ranks the drivers and barriers to implementing Industry 4.0 in the Thai sugar industry, the world's second-largest sugar exporter. It also evaluates the industry's readiness for Industry 4.0.

The drivers and impediments were identified based on a systematic literature review (SLR) and further investigated using a questionnaire, expert interviews, Pearson's correlation and nonparametric statistical analyses. The IMPULS model was used to assess the industry's readiness.

Most companies expect to minimise costs, develop employees and improve various elements of operational performance and data tracking capability. Thai sugar producers are still at a low readiness level to deploy Industry 4.0. High investment is the major challenge. Small businesses struggle to hire competent employees, collaborate with a highly credible technology provider and adapt to new solutions.

The findings can serve as a benchmark or guide for sugar manufacturers and companies in other sectors, where Industry 4.0 technologies are not yet widely utilised, to overcome existing roadblocks and make strategic decisions. They can also assist governments in developing policies that foster digital transformation and increase national competitiveness.

There is a scarcity of research on Industry 4.0 execution in the sugar industry. This study addresses this gap by investigating the reasons for the hesitancy of sugar producers to pursue Industry 4.0 and proposing solutions.

Industry 4.0 is the present trend in automation and data exchange in organizations. However, till today, there is no generic and common understanding in terms of assessing the Industry 4.0 readiness for organizations. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key ingredients for assessing Industry 4.0 readiness for organizations, the interrelationships that exist between these readiness factors and how future research should proceed given the research findings.

A systematic literature review (SLR) methodology of Tranfield et al. (2003) was employed to ensure the replicability and transparency of the review process. Altogether, 68 articles were identified for the final thematic analysis.

The SLR results generated six broad themes of readiness factors. The interrelationship mechanism between these factors was identified. In addition, 17 research propositions were elucidated.

Being the first literature review on assessing Industry 4.0 readiness for organizations, it finds 17 research propositions which will give the future researchers a guideline for further research in Industry 4.0.

Although Industry 4.0 is the buzzword, very few organizations understand the concept in detail. This paper will help the organizations to identify the factors which they have to asses critically before implementing Industry 4.0 in an organization.

Nevertheless, there has been a lot of research on Industry 4.0; this is the first systematic literature to identify the key ingredients for assessing Industry 4.0 readiness for organizations.