Industry 4.0 maturity assessment in manufacturing enterprises: a mixed-methods approach for SMEs

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the adequacy of existing I4.0 maturity models in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in an under-industrialized region and comprehensively assess the extent to which these scales reflect the specific conditions of SMEs using a mixed-methods approach. Design/methodology/approach This study involved a two-step process using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Initially, we applied the nine-dimensional I4.0 maturity evaluation model developed by Schumacher, Erol, and Sihn (2016) to 21 manufacturing enterprises in the developing Bartin Organized Industrial Zone in Türkiye to determine their I4.0 maturity levels. Subsequently, thematic analysis of semi-structured interview data from these enterprises was conducted using MaxQDA, aligning themes with scale dimensions. This revealed variances and alignments in maturity scores across dimensions. Findings It was observed that the participants gave more appropriate answers to the content and scope of the relevant dimension in the dimensions where they got high scores. In addition to the participants’ focus on technology for I4.0, it was observed that they perceived this process only in terms of production and operational efficiency increase, and their expectations for organizational structures or enterprise processes were limited. Originality/value This study addresses the gap in the literature regarding the applicability of existing quantitative I4.0 maturity models to SMEs in under-industrialized regions. By combining quantitative and qualitative methods, this research highlights the need for qualitative research alongside quantitative methods in measuring the I4.0 maturity of SMEs. This novel approach demonstrates how qualitative methods can enrich the understanding of I4.0 perceptions, overcoming the limitations of standardized scales.