Title: Industry 4.0 in Portugal - the state of the art

Authors: Angelo Pereira; Renato Lopes da Costa; Rui Gonçalves; Leandro Pereira; Álvaro Dias

Addresses: ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal ' Business Research Unit – BRU-IUL, ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal ' PIAGET Almada, Almada, Portugal ' BRU-Business Research Unit, ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal ' Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract: The fourth industrial revolution aims to transform industrial units into more efficient and productive organisations, through the implementation of technologies based on digital and intelligent systems. This research assesses the level of implementation of the 'Industry 4.0' concept in Portugal, identifying its benefits and difficulties, and also seeking to identify the best tool to assess the level of I4.0. To this end, a qualitative approach was used, supported by 18 interviews with industrial managers. The research shows that there is no integrated view of the I4.0 concept, although the results demonstrate a concern of companies with the subject, with actions aiming to implement the concept in their organisations, where the main barriers are found at the level of investment needed and change management. As to the benefits, it is highlighted the increases in productivity and the reduction of errors in the process.

Keywords: Industry 4.0; innovation; industrial organisation; technological change; adaptation; technological impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIMS.2023.129286

International Journal of Internet Manufacturing and Services, 2023 Vol.9 No.1, pp.44 - 70

Received: 07 Dec 2021
Accepted: 01 Sep 2022
Published online: 03 Mar 2023 *