Confronting industry 4.0 adoption barriers: a systematic examination of challenges in FMCG plants within developing nations

Abstract This study investigates the barriers to Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) plants within developing nations using a mixed-method approach. Barriers such as limited digital infrastructure, resource constraints, and lack of skilled workforce were identified and analysed through expert interviews and fuzzy-DEMATEL analysis. The analysis revealed that barriers such as high implementation costs, resistance to change, Risk aversion, and long return on investment period challenges were particularly influential, acting as both direct impediments and triggers for other barriers. The intricate interrelationships among the barriers were mapped, highlighting their cascading effects on I4.0 adoption. The study provides insights into the causes and effects of these barriers, aiding in the formulation of targeted strategies for overcoming them. The implications of the study extend to the enhancement of operational efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness in FMCG plants within developing nations. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the need for policy interventions and collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders to mitigate these barriers effectively. Future research should focus on cross-country comparisons to identify differences and similarities in the barriers to Industry 4.0 adoption across diverse economic and industrial contexts.