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We investigate the impact of Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) for SMEs embedded in Collaborative Networks (CNs) on innovation performance, considering the network stages and the influence of partnership quality.

We use a mixed methodology consisting of a qualitative than a quantitative phase. The first stage relies on an in-depth literature review and 22 interviews with 17 manufacturing SMEs having operated in collaborative innovation projects to characterize the potential and realized ACAP of such SMEs in the creation and operation stages of a CN. The second phase aims at testing four hypotheses through a hierarchical regression based on 74 responses to a survey involving SMEs with prior CN experience.

Our results explain how an SME’s ACAP in the creation stage affects its ACAP in the operation stage. We also demonstrate that this latter capability contributes positively to innovation performance in the CN. Furthermore, partnership quality was found to have counterproductive effects regarding potential ACAP.

We provide manufacturing SMEs with guidance to deploy ACAP throughout their collaborative experience and overcome the potential pitfalls of good partnership quality.

We operationalize ACAP of manufacturing SMEs to contribute to mutual innovation goals in CNs and uncover its properties. We explain how this dynamic capability accumulates over the CN stages to result in higher innovation performance and show how it helps in striking a balance between the “dark” and “virtuous” sides of partnership quality.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the potential impact of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) digital technologies on promoting sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within developing economies such as Brazil. Additionally, we present a comprehensive framework that consolidates this correlation.

Qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with leaders of SMEs to identify the specific challenges in achieving sustainability. Additionally, interviews were conducted with technology provider firms to evaluate the existing solutions available to SMEs. The interview results were analyzed, and technological solutions were proposed through a focus group session involving four experts in I4.0. These proposed solutions were then compared with the offerings provided by the technology providers. Based on this, a second round of meetings was conducted to gather feedback from the SMEs.

The findings of this study confirm the feasibility of implementing I4.0 and sustainable practices in SMEs. However, it is crucial to tailor the technologies to the specific circumstances of SMEs. The study presents propositions on how specific applications of technology can address the economic, environmental and social demands of SMEs. Furthermore, a framework is proposed, emphasizing the integration of smart technologies as essential components across sustainability dimensions.

This study makes a significant contribution to the current body of literature as it pioneers the examination of the relationship between I4.0 technologies and sustainability, focusing specifically on SMEs in a developing country context.

El objetivo de este estudio es investigar el potential impacto de las tecnologías digitales de la Industria 4.0 en la promoción de la sostenibilidad en las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMES) en economías en desarrollo, como Brasil.

Realizamos una investigación cualitativa mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas a líderes de PYMES para identificar los desafíos que enfrentan en la búsqueda de la sostenibilidad. También llevamos a cabo entrevistas con empresas proveedoras de tecnología para evaluar las soluciones existentes. Los resultados de las entrevistas se analizaron y se propusieron soluciones tecnológicas a través de una sesión de grupo focal con cuatro expertos en la Industria 4.0. Estas soluciones se compararon con las ofertas proporcionadas por los proveedores de tecnología. Posteriormente, se realizaron una segunda reunión para recopilar comentarios de las PYMES.

Los hallazgos de este estudio confirman la viabilidad de implementar la Industria 4.0 y prácticas sostenibles en las PYMES. Sin embargo, es crucial adaptar las tecnologías a las circunstancias de las PYMES. Presentamos propuestas sobre cómo las aplicaciones de la tecnología pueden abordar las demandas económicas, ambientales y sociales de las PYMES. Además, proponemos un marco que destaca la integración de tecnologías como componentes esenciales de la sostenibilidad.

Este estudio es pionero en examinar la relación entre las tecnologías de la Industria 4.0 y la sostenibilidad, centrándose específicamente en las PYMES en un contexto de país en desarrollo.

In the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) era, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face significant pressure to make their manufacturing operations more sustainable. However, SMEs often lack the knowledge and information needed to leverage I4.0 technologies for achieving sustainability. This paper aims to develop a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to prioritize sustainability functions supported by I4.0 technologies in SMEs.

The fuzzy-DEMATEL method was developed to classify sustainability functions based on their prominence and influence, categorizing them into cause-and-effect groups. Experts in I4.0 technologies, sustainability and SMEs from Brazil were consulted during the data collection phase. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to validate the results obtained through the DEMATEL method.

The results indicate that the most prominent and influential sustainability functions include organizing production processes, employee skill development and simplifying production planning and control. Therefore, investing in I4.0 technologies to support these functions can enable SMEs to amplify the impact of their sustainability initiatives and improve operational efficiency. The authors also observed that improving quality monitoring is the primary function within the effect group.

This paper serves as a roadmap for SME managers seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their sustainability practices using I4.0 technologies, thereby maximizing impact while minimizing the complexity of implementation.

This study ranks key sustainability functions as actions and practices that SMEs can implement using I4.0 technologies to achieve sustainability. It also identifies the most prominent and influential functions managers should prioritize when investing in I4.0 technologies.

The provision of Industry 4.0 solutions demands a vast range of technology domains. To provide these solutions, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may need the support of different supply chain actors through an inbound open innovation strategy. The authors study the contribution of four types of supply chain actors for inbound open innovation: suppliers, competitors with complementary technologies, R&D centers and customers. The authors analyze how these four actors moderate the effect of integrated Industry 4.0 solutions on three main competitive strategies: cost, focalization and differentiation.

The authors conducted a survey on 77 SMEs from the automation sector, using OLS regression with moderating effects. They considered the integration of 15 technologies and 7 classic automation activities in the provision of Industry 4.0 solutions. The authors also studied three competitive outputs – technology cost reduction (cost), customer loyalty (focalization) and technology innovation (differentiation) – as well as four supply chain actors (moderators).

Expanding the provision of Industry 4.0 technologies increases customer loyalty and technology innovation. Collaboration with competitors (complementary technologies) leverage these results and reduce technology costs. Integration between customers and R&D centers elevates costs but R&D centers can foster long-run innovation.

This study is the first to empirically investigate inbound open innovation in the supply chain for technology development in the context of Industry 4.0. The authors discuss how these actors contribute to four inbound open innovation activities: technology scouting; horizontal technology collaboration; vertical technology collaboration; and technology sourcing.