A conceptual approach to analysing manufacturing companies' profiles concerning Industry 4.0 in emerging economies

In this paper, we present a comprehensive conceptual approach to systematically analysing and monitoring the readiness of manufacturing companies for Industry 4.0 in emerging economies. This approach goes beyond an exclusive focus on technology and includes various aspects of organisation, management, employees and systemic interaction. Embedded in a conceptual framework, the approach assumes that manufacturing companies can be characterised by different ""degrees of readiness for Industry 4.0"". This follows the underlying rationale of an evolutionary path towards Industry 4.0 that progresses over time and helps to upgrade companies' technological base, as well as their organisation, knowledge base and experience.