A system view of how balancing sociotechnical factors in Industry 4.0 implementation: Evidence from interviews and ethnographic research

• A sociotechnical perspective to support Industry 4.0 in manufacturing is adopted. • 28 companies implementing Industry 4.0 technologies are analyzed. • A sociotechnical framework is proposed with interactions between different dimensions. • The findings show how to balance sociotechnical implementation for Industry 4.0. • The sociotechnical framework supports the transition from Industry 4.0 to 5.0. Industry 4.0 involves the incorporation of advanced digital technologies into manufacturing operations, bringing significant changes to social, technical, organizational, and environmental aspects of companies. However, there is limited knowledge of how companies manage these changes. This study aims to discuss how companies develop the necessary sociotechnical factors for successfully implementing Industry 4.0 and the mechanisms driving these changes. The study considers this as an initial stage towards transitioning to an Industry 5.0 concept, which integrates workers and technologies in a balanced system. A qualitative approach, including cross-case and ethnographic analyses, was employed to identify the various sociotechnical enabling factors with 28 companies implementing Industry 4.0 technologies. The results highlight strategic guidelines developed by companies, such as top management support and open innovation with partners and startups. Companies can start by defining an implementation roadmap, training leaders in technical concepts with technology providers and technical schools and providing management support with company-wide programs for Industry 4.0. Additionally, the study describes how hierarchical flexibility, increased autonomy for workers through participation in decision processes, data training, and open communication are developed. Interactions between dimensions include upskilling workers with technology providers, aligning technologies with worker profiles and tasks, and incorporating data collection and use into processes. Unlike previous research that has mainly addressed enabling factors for Industry 4.0 from an individual perspective, this study analyzes their interactions and discusses practical development within companies.