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Towards Factory 4.0? Convergence and divergence of lean models in Italian automotive plants

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  • Angelo Moro
  • Maria Enrica Virgillito

Abstract

This paper studies the interplay in terms of techno-organisational change between the adoption of I4.0 technologies and lean production systems. Leveraging on the results of two field-work analyses conducted under a collaboration with the Sabattini Foundation and the metal workers trade union FIOM in the period 2016-2018, we compare an ensemble of factories producing both high-end/highly customised and low-end products. Emerging patterns of convergence and divergence in the techno-organisational configurations of these factories confirm that this wave of technological innovation is far from leading to total automation or the digital revolution. On the contrary, it appears to be integrated into the historical trend of 'leanification' of production processes in the automotive sector, despite the organisational variety shaped by the actual implementation of this production model.

Suggested Citation

  • Angelo Moro & Maria Enrica Virgillito, 2022. "Towards Factory 4.0? Convergence and divergence of lean models in Italian automotive plants," International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 22(2), pages 245-271.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijatma:v:22:y:2022:i:2:p:245-271
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    Cited by:

    1. Valeria Cirillo & Matteo Rinaldini & Maria Enrica Virgillito & Maria Luisa Divella & Caterina Manicardi & Francesco Sabato Massimo & Armanda Cetrulo & Eleonora Costantini & Angelo Moro & Jacopo Stacci, 2022. "Case studies of automation in services," Working Papers hal-03899186, HAL.
    2. Armanda Cetrulo & Giovanni Dosi & Angelo Moro & Linnea Nelli & Maria Enrica Virgillito, 2023. "Automation, digitalization and decarbonization in the European automotive industry: a roadmap towards a just transition," LEM Papers Series 2023/36, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
    3. Valeria Cirillo & Matteo Rinaldini & Jacopo Staccioli & Maria Enrica Virgillito, 2023. "Trade unions' responses to Industry 4.0 amid corporatism and resistance," PSL Quarterly Review, Economia civile, vol. 76(305), pages 91-120.
    4. Cirillo, Valeria & Mina, Andrea & Ricci, Andrea, 2024. "Digital technologies, labor market flows and training: Evidence from Italian employer-employee data," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).
    5. Cetrulo, Armanda & Cirillo, Valeria & Landini, Fabio, 2025. "Labour, unions and R&D in Italian firms," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 262-281.
    6. CARBONELL Juan Sebastian, 2024. "In search of the twin transition: the limited performativity of the « green and digital » transitions in the European automotive industry," JRC Working Papers on Labour, Education and Technology 2024-05, Joint Research Centre.

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