Assessment of the Degree of Implementation of Industry 4.0 Technologies: Case Study of Murcia Region in Southeast Spain

Abstract

This work analyzes how the so-called Industry 4.0 technologies are being implemented in companies in the Region of Murcia, in Southeastern Spain. The objective was to determine through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews the current state of 4.0 technologies in Murcia, including additional data of the companies, such as age, number of employees and turnover. Most types of companies in the Region were represented in terms of size, age, turnover, profits and profitability. This study analyzes the relationship between the degree of implementation of 4.0 technologies, investment and training of workers, with companies’ seniority, number of employees, turnover, profits and profitability. The results obtained are significantly higher in companies with higher turnover, profits and profitability, which in turn, have the best levels of investment and training of their workers in 4.0 technologies. The opinions of the companies determined the factors that drove the companies to implement these technologies, the factors perceived as barriers, the opportunities in the current context that encourage the adoption of technologies, as well as the threats that may jeopardize their progress in digital transformation. The conclusions obtained can be taken into account in regional policies that implement appropriate actions to help drive the fourth industrial revolution in the region.