Significance of digital innovations of Industry 4.0. for Polish enterprises on the example of Podkarpackie and Lubuskie voivodeships

Abstract

Purpose: The article examines the relevance of specific Industry 4.0 (I4.0) solutions for enterprises in Poland. It also verifies whether there is a positive relationship between the level of digital sophistication of enterprises and their innovation and competitiveness, and whether there is a need to cooperate with external entities in the implementation of these technologies. Design: A survey of 673 enterprises in Podkarpackie Voivodeship and a qualitative survey of 23 experts from Lubuskie Voivodeship were conducted. Data from the quantitative survey were analyzed using the tetrachoric correlation coefficient, the statistical significance test for differences in shares, and logit regression. An Internet query was also conducted. Findings: The research shows that the most complex solutions are still relatively the least implemented. More companies have advanced software than I4.0 solutions. Digital sophistication is higher for medium and large entities, companies with foreign participation, those with a presence in foreign markets, as well as those belonging to the region's strategic innovation industries and companies in the market services sector. The share of entities expecting to increase profits and revenues, as well as R&D expenditures and increase innovation was significantly higher among digitally advanced entities. It was confirmed that implementing digital innovations requires cooperation with external partners. Digital solutions are key to innovative industries in Lubuskie, and public support for digital transformation of businesses is present. Research limitations: The main limitation is the lack of overall domestic survey data. Practical implications: The presence of relevant organizations supporting the successful implementation of I4.0 technologies is needed. They provide expertise for companies. Companies can become more competitive and sustainable by implementing IT solutions. However, dissemination of knowledge about the benefits of I4.0 technologies is required, as well as public support for digital transformation. Social implications: In the face of shrinking labor resources, automation and robotization, with fewer workers, will allow production to be maintained at current levels. Originality: The originality of the article lies in the analysis of the level of digitization versus the innovation and competitiveness of companies, and the analysis of the importance of various external partners for the implementation of I4.0 technologies. Keywords: Industry 4.0 technologies, Enterprises, IT solutions, Podkarpackie Voivodeship, Lubuskie Voivodeship. Category of the paper: Research paper.