Behind the definition of Industry 4.0: Analysis and open questions

• Published in: International journal of production economics Vol. 226; p. 107617
• Main Authors: Culot, Giovanna, Nassimbeni, Guido, Orzes, Guido, Sartor, Marco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2020
• Subjects: Conceptual framework; Definition; Fourth industrial revolution; Industry 4.0; Literature review; Smart manufacturing; Definition; Literature review; Conceptual framework; Industry 4.0; Fourth industrial revolution; Smart manufacturing
• ISSN: 0925-5273; 1873-7579
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2020.107617

The many scholars approaching Industry 4.0 today need to confront the lack of an agreed-upon definition, posing serious limitations to theory building and research comparability. Since its initial German conceptualization in 2011, both the technological landscape and the understanding of the Industry 4.0 have evolved significantly leading to several ambiguities. In parallel, similar concepts often used as synonyms − such as “smart manufacturing”, “digital transformation”, and “fourth industrial revolution” − have increased the sense of confusion around the scope and characteristics of the phenomenon. This study approaches the issue through an analysis of almost 100 definitions of Industry 4.0 and related concepts. The review of academic publications has been complemented by a selection of the most influential non-academic sources, including governmental bodies and consulting companies. Each definition has been broken down into its underlying technological and non-technological definitional elements. This categorization will serve as a basis for future research to approach the phenomenon in its multiple facets. •Lack of agreed-upon definition poses limitations to theory building and research comparability.•Industry 4.0 definitional elements have been identified analyzing almost 100 academic and non-academic papers.•Coding categories: label, scope, key enabling technologies, other enablers, distinctive characteristics, expected outcomes.•Findings serve as basis for three research directions and concrete implications for academia and practice.