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Stairway to Heaven: How Firms Build Absorptive Capacity to Succeed in Industry 4.0

In: Digitalisierung im Einkauf

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Arcidiacono

    (University of Catania
    Schaeffler Automotive Bühl)

  • Alessandro Ancarani

    (University of Catania)

  • Carmela Mauro

    (University of Catania
    Corvinus University of Budapest)

  • Florian Schupp

    (Schaeffler Automotive Bühl
    Constructor University)

Abstract

Industry 4.0 technologies are considered crucial to support manufacturing firms in a period of market turbulence and rapid technological change. However, limited attention has been devoted to the investigation of how firms can successfully develop capacities needed to progress in Industry 4.0. Based on the analysis of four in-depth case studies, this chapter investigates how a firm’s level of absorptive capacity relates to its stage of Industry 4.0 adoption and sheds light on antecedents of potential and realized absorptive capacity that are relevant for Industry 4.0 adoption. Findings show that the levels of potential and realized absorptive capacity are associated with more advanced stages of Industry 4.0 adoption, therefore signalling the importance of developing this capacity for the successful introduction of advanced manufacturing technologies. The analysis of antecedents shows that firms that pursue multiple collaborations with diverse partners and that appoint Industry 4.0 boundary-spanning roles have a greater ability to acquire and assimilate new external knowledge. Firms that successfully exploit the technological knowledge undertake detailed operational planning of Industry 4.0 projects and plan support activities for human resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Arcidiacono & Alessandro Ancarani & Carmela Mauro & Florian Schupp, 2023. "Stairway to Heaven: How Firms Build Absorptive Capacity to Succeed in Industry 4.0," Springer Books, in: Florian Schupp & Heiko Wöhner (ed.), Digitalisierung im Einkauf, edition 2, chapter 14, pages 219-249, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-658-40570-0_14
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-40570-0_14
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