Sustainability-Oriented Digital Transformation Under Industry 4.0: Managerial Perceptions of Digitalization and AI

This study investigates managers’ perceptions of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption within the framework of Industry 4.0, emphasizing the relationship between technological modernization, organizational culture, and sustainability. Drawing on empirical data collected in 2025 from 150 Romanian companies ’managers by applying a structured questionnaire, followed by a multivariate analytical approach supported by the Benjamini–Hochberg correction, the research identifies critical managerial perceptions that influence the success of digital transformation. The findings show that managers recognize digitalization as a strategic opportunity for process optimization and competitiveness. At the same time, they perceive it as a structural challenge driven by legacy systems, financial constraints, and limited digital competencies. Similarly, managers view AI as a valuable tool for data analysis and market forecasting, while also expressing concerns related to ethical, technical, and cybersecurity risks. The study further reveals managerial ambivalence toward Industry 4.0. Although automation and IoT are considered inevitable for maintaining competitiveness, their implementation remains constrained by logistical and cultural barriers. By integrating technological, organizational, and human dimensions, this research contributes to the literature on sustainable digital transformation. It provides an in-depth understanding of how managerial perceptions mediate the balance between innovation, responsibility, and long-term resilience. Finally, the results offer actionable insights for policymakers and business leaders seeking to align digitalization and AI initiatives with sustainable development objectives.