Beyond technology: A socio-technical lens on Industry 4.0 value-adding across industries

In the ever-evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, this research disentangles the intricate dynamics of value addition within an emerging economy. With a backdrop immersed in the socio-technical systems theory, the study draws on the experiences of 112 Vietnamese company leaders collected through semi-structured interviews. The qualitative content analysis and data structure helped delineate 10 conceptual dimensions, portraying Industry 4.0 beyond a technological wave. Indeed, Industry 4.0 emerges as a driver of enhanced performance, a nexus connecting companies and customers, and a sign of reliability. To attain these scenarios, and despite acknowledged barriers, organisations require a combination of human capital, proactive initiatives in asset development, and the utilisation of established customary assets. Thus, the research has profound practical implications for organisations. In addition, the assemblage of the dimensions facilitated the development of a conceptual framework, which contributes conceptually to the Industry 4.0 literature and extends the socio-technical systems theory. • Examines value-adding within the context of the Industry 4.0 phenomenon • Gathers the experiences of 112 company leaders across eight industries • Illuminates value-adding ways, needed resources and challenges in 4.0 adoption • Enhances conceptual understanding through 10 overarching dimensions • Proposes a theoretical framework to deepen Industry 4.0 knowledge • Selects firms operating in an emerging economy