Learning from the development of digital maturity models in manufacturing: a Design Science Research approach

This his study examines how digital maturity models can more effectively guide Industry 4.0 implementation in manufacturing contexts. Despite the proliferation of maturity and readiness models, firms still struggle to translate assessments into actionable improvements aligned with operational objectives. Existing models tend to emphasize specific technologies or isolated dimensions, limiting their ability to capture the systemic nature of digital transformation and the learning processes embedded in its implementation. This study adopts a Design Science Research approach to develop a maturity assessment framework grounded in operational targets. The model departs from technology-centric perspectives and structures digital maturity around recurring manufacturing challenges across four dimensions: Smart Manufacturing, Smart Supply Chain, Smart Working and Smart Consumption. The framework was co-developed and validated through an iterative, longitudinal process with a large manufacturing company, integrating literature analysis, field observations, interviews, benchmarking and real-world applications. The resulting model defines sixteen operational targets across six maturity levels, enabling firms to link technology adoption to measurable operational improvements. The findings also emphasize the role of the development and implementation process as a source of organizational learning.