Exploring smart manufacturing tools and innovative leadership strategies in small manufacturing enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in an emerging economy, leveraging their agility and market penetration to foster economic growth (Peter et al., 2023). Understanding the dynamics of their growth and sustainability is paramount, particularly in the context of adopting smart manufacturing processes and innovative leadership (Bello et al., 2024). This study aims to investigate the utilisation of smart manufacturing tools and innovative leadership practices among manufacturing SMEs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilising census sampling of 102 manufacturing SMEs registered in the Msunduzi Municipality database. The findings revealed a stark limitation in the adoption of robotic technology among manufacturing SMEs, with minimal utilisation of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence technologies. Thus, it indicates that the integration of smart manufacturing processes in KwaZulu-Natal’s SMEs is still in its nascent stage. However, amidst these challenges, the study unearthed a significant presence of innovative leadership practices within the SMEs operating in the manufacturing sector. This presents a unique opportunity for these enterprises to propel the smart manufacturing agenda forward through effective, innovative leadership strategies