Exploring the relationships between Industry 4.0 implementation factors through systems thinking and network analysis

Industry 4.0 provides companies with the technological and theoretical means to enhance data‐driven decision‐making procedures. To facilitate the transformation process, several studies have identified factors that need to be considered when implementing Industry 4.0 on a broader level. However, the dynamic relationship between these factors has yet to be understood to provide companies with the in‐depth knowledge needed to effectively manage the transition. The principal aim of our research is therefore to map out the complex relationships between the identified factors, by adapting a novel approach that combines network analysis and causal loop diagrams. Results show that the roles of implementation factors are not static, and what role they play depends on their position in the network, complementing the findings of previous investigations about the drivers of change. Furthermore, our findings indicate that multiple intervention points exist, shedding more light on how to develop effective implementation strategies.