Catching the wave: Industry 4.0 in BRICS

Abstract

Purpose – This research aims to conduct, to the best of our knowledge, the first systematic review of the implementation of Industry 4.0 in BRICS. This review facilitates the identification of main factors that affect the readiness to adopt Industry 4.0 in BRICS and the role of different agents, such as multinationals, the public sector or educative institutions. Design/methodology/approach – Key publications published from 2010 to 2019 have been analysed. A total of 61 papers have been selected from the systematic review. Findings – Three factors of convergence of BRICS to developed economies in terms of Industry 4.0 are identified: (1) the public initiatives that can also result in the attraction of talent from developed countries to BRICS; (2) the role of multinationals and (3) the implication of educational institutions. Research limitations/implications – This review has some limitations. First, some grey literature, such as reports from non-governmental organisations and front-line practitioners’ reflections, were not included. Second, only research studies in English were reviewed. Practical implications – The heterogeneity of BRICS amongst themselves affects the implementation of Industry 4.0 policies. Therefore, public policies should differ among countries to achieve the different readiness of companies within each country. Industry 4.0 cannot be understood as a manufacturing strategy against delocalisation, as emerging countries, such as BRICS, are also aware of the potential of automation. Originality/value – Based on a systematic review, this article shows that the strategy created by Germany to increase industrial productivity has been also introduced in BRICS countries as a critical factor to improve their competitiveness.