Technology Readiness Research Articles

Analysis of The EwacsPro Auto Dispatch System in XYZ Company Using Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM2) Adoption

Fleet Management System (FMS) is a system that quite good to manage the haul cycle and can be useful for reducing the idle time of the conveyance. The development of an FMS with an Auto Dispatch System (ADS) that utilizes digital information technology can make management easier. ADS is the system which has assignment logic systems for transport equipment, either directly suggesting to the operator through computerized systems or through dispatchers. XYZ Company developed its own ADS, called Early Warning & Control System Pro (EwacsPro), which has been tested on 1 of 4 total pits they have in ABC jobsite, using the LTE Communication network, which is the first in Indonesia. The problem behind this research is that the system has never been tested for readiness. This research aims to analyze, evaluate and explore the level of readiness of the EwacsPro system using the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) method and also analyze the level of operator acceptance of the use of the EwacsPro system adopting Technology Accetance Model 2 (TAM2) using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. The research will provide recommendations to the XYZ management for improvements related to EwacsPro at ABC Jobsite so that it can provide benefits according to the technological design which has been made, using Business Model Canvas (BMC) tool. The EwacsPro system reached level 9 TRL with a fulfillment rate of 80%. There are 7 variables that significantly influence EwacsPro's Usage Behavior directly and 1 variable that significantly influences using 2 influencing moderator variables of the TAM2 analysis. The R-square test also shows that all values are above 0.75, which means that there is a strong influence from the measurement of the exogenous latent variable on the endogenous latent variable.

Persepsi Kemudahan, Kegunaan, Keamanan, dan Kerahasiaan terhadap Minat Wajib Pajak Orang Pribadi dalam Menggunakan E-Filing dengan Kesiapan Teknologi Informasi Sebagai Variabel Moderating pada KPP Pratama Serang Barat

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of perceived ease of use, usefulness, security, and confidentiality on the interest of individual taxpayers in using E-Filing, with information technology readiness as a moderating variable. Many individual taxpayers still face challenges in using E-Filing, such as technology access, understanding of use, and lack of socialization and education about the benefits of E-Filing. This research uses an associative and descriptive quantitative method with 100 taxpayer respondents. Data analysis was carried out using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method using SmartPLS 3.2.9 software. The results of hypothesis testing indicate that perceived ease of use and usefulness have a significant effect on taxpayers' interest in using E-Filing. However, perceptions of security and confidentiality do not have a significant effect. Moreover, perceptions of ease of use, usefulness, security, and confidentiality do not have a significant effect on information technology readiness. In conclusion, perceptions of ease of use and usefulness affect taxpayers' interest in using E-Filing, while security and confidentiality do not have an effect. Information technology readiness does not moderate the effect of perceptions of ease of use, usefulness, security, and confidentiality on taxpayers' interest in using E-Filing.

디자인이 연구개발 성과에 미치는 영향 및 성공 사례 분석

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL), which is a research and development stage, is an indicator of the maturity of technology and is used to judge the progress of research and technology. As the TRL stage increases, the development is completed and the level of commercialization is nearing completion. During this process, design intervention is acting as an essential element in commercialization and technology transfer, unlike in the past. In particular, the definition of design concepts and detailed design elements must be made at the prototyping stage of TRL stage 3, which is very advantageous for future technology commercialization. Accordingly, we analyzed the impact and success factors of design by reviewing major domestic and international cases that achieved results through design in various research and development fields (6T) and research purposes. In addition, we investigated the contribution of design through interviews with experts in the field of advanced industrial technology (IT, ET, etc.) using the Good Design evaluation index. In particular, we specified the role of design applicable to each TRL stage based on the design process and presented specific methods such as the definition of design specifications. In conclusion, we have once again confirmed that recognizing the need for designers' active participation in R&D projects and establishing a convergence process centered on commercialization through design convergence are very important factors in creating R&D results.

Assessment of the Relationship Between Music Students' Self‐Efficacy, Academic Performance and Their Artificial Intelligence Readiness

ABSTRACTIn recent years, the intersection of self‐efficacy and technological readiness has become increasingly relevant in educational research, particularly within specialised fields like music education. Understanding how these factors interplay can offer valuable insights into enhancing educational practices and fostering academic achievement among music students. This study investigates the relationship between music students' self‐efficacy, academic performance and artificial intelligence (AI) readiness within the context of Chinese Music education. Adopting a random sampling method, the researchers distributed questionnaires to 1082 Chinese music students to assess their self‐efficacy, academic performance and AI readiness. Utilising SPSS (version 27) and AMOS (version 24) for data analysis, the researchers explored the statistical relationships among these variables. The findings indicate that a significant 63% of variations in students' academic performance can be explained by the combined influence of self‐efficacy and AI readiness. This highlights a strong relationship between these factors and students' overall success in their professional pursuits. Specifically, students' self‐efficacy uniquely predicts 52% of changes in academic performance, emphasising the importance of self‐belief in academic achievement, whereas their AI readiness uniquely predicts 60% of changes in academic performance, showcasing the critical role of technological fluency in driving academic success. These results provide valuable insights into the interconnected dynamics of self‐efficacy, academic performance and AI readiness among Chinese music students. The study underscores the significance of confidence, technological proficiency and their impact on students' educational trajectories, offering implications for enhancing educational practices and fostering student success in the context of music education.

An Update on the Waste Management of the Amazonian Açaí Berry for the Civil Engineering Sector

The rising demand for açaí berries in Amazonian Brazil and French Guiana generates a significant amount of waste, namely the fruit’s stone, which accounts for 80% of the dry fruit’s mass. Recently, various studies have explored the potential valorization of açaí waste in the civil engineering sector, including the functionalization of the fibers surrounding the stone and the multiphysics testing of composite materials based on açaí fibers and/or stones, treated or untreated. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the technology readiness levels (TRLs) of the existing techniques capable of reducing the environmental impact of both the cultivation and management of naturally occurring açaí. While the research to date is promising, it remains at the prototype stage, and the mass ratio of waste in composites, regardless of their type, limits addressing the underlying ecological problem of açaí waste processing. Further experimental investigations are required to improve the functionalization processes, enabling the use of higher proportions of fibers and/or stones in cementitious composites and their large-scale production.

Prospects of autonomous railway transport development

The implementation of unmanned train control systems offers a number of advantages, such as increasing the capacity of railway lines and traffi c volumes, reducing the ‘human factor’, as well as reducing operating costs. The paper considers the challenges arising from the use of automatic train control systems, and presents the prospects for the implementation of automatic technologies in railway transport for various railway systems. The social and economic aspects of changing professional activities in railway transport are described. Grades of automation applicable to surface urban railwaytransport are presented. The issues of proving the functional safety of machine vision systems as part of the train traffic control system and determining their level of safety completeness are discussed. Examples of railway transport automation in Russia and other countries are given. Basic scenarios of automatic control system operation describing normal and abnormal situations are formulated. In conclusion, the levels of technological readiness of the reviewed solutions in the fi eld of train traffic automation are defi ned. The tasks faced by railway companies in implementing these technologies are outlined, and possible ways of overcoming obstacles to the introduction of automatic systems are proposed, taking into account the current political situation.

Biochar is a long-lived form of carbon removal, making evidence-based CDR projects possible

Science should drive policies and regulations to ensure a sustainable (environmentally, socially, and economically) green transition to a Net-Zero / Net-Negative circular economy. Since 2015, which saw COP21 in Paris, Net Zero has been a global target that must be rapidly accompanied by a Net Negative strategy to mitigate climate change. Accordingly, biochar's role as a durable carbon removal method is gaining attention and increasing. In this work, we discuss the durability of the carbon in biochar and the need for analytical techniques to support stakeholders on a project level. The different ecologically relevant groups of carbon forms contained in biochar are presented, and possible project-based methods to assess the quality and durability of the product versus the regulatory requirements for the permanence of carbon removals are summarized. Biochar is today one of the CDR technologies with the highest technology readiness level (TRL 8–9) that can ensure permanent removals for time frames relevant to climate change mitigation projects, combined with co-benefits that are gaining relevance in terms of mitigating climate impacts in agricultural soils.Graphical

Techno-economic feasibility of CO2 utilization for production of green urea by Indian cement industries

The cement industry contributes substantially to global carbon emissions, necessitating urgent adoption of mitigation pathways aligned with climate goals. This study investigates the technical and economic viability of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from cement plants in India and using that captured CO2 to produce green urea. The research aims to determine the feasibility of the CCUS approach as a practical way to reduce CO2 emissions from cement production while also boosting India's self-sufficiency in producing urea, a crucial fertilizer. The research uses a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) framework to assess various factors, including the technological readiness of CCUS technologies, the capital and operating costs of setting up and running such a system, the market demand for green urea, and the potential reduction in CO2 emissions. The study focused on 32 major cement plants in India, using data from their annual reports to inform the MCA model with an assumption of a post-combustion Monoethanolamine (MEA) scrubbing capacity CO2 capture capacity of 0.5 million tonnes per year per plant and used existing data and modeling techniques to analyze the feasibility of converting the captured CO2 into urea. The key findings indicate that this approach is promising and projects a 12.4% reduction in CO2 emissions from the cement industry if these 32 plants implement the CCUS technology. Additionally, it highlights a favorable market for the green urea produced, with an estimated output of 21.82 million tonnes per year, enough to offset a significant portion of India's reliance on urea imports. Financially, the study projects a six-year payback period and a 16.7% return on investment. It concludes that implementing CCUS technology to create green urea in Indian cement plants is technically and economically feasible. The approach has the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions while also supporting India's goal of self-sufficiency in urea production. However, further investigation and pilot-scale projects are recommended to validate the model's findings and optimize various aspects, such as managing flue gas impurities and leveraging waste heat for energy efficiency.

Empirical assessment of external enablers on new venture creation: the effect of technologies and non-technological change in Iran digital entrepreneurship

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of external enablers (EEs) – factors that are exogenous and independent of the actors – on the rate of new venture creation (NVC) in digital entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach The authors established a unique data panel comprising all formal digital entrepreneurial firms and startups licensed to operate in the digital space from Iran E-Commerce Development Center, from 2012 to 2022, totaling 124,751 businesses classified in 16 sectors. The authors used Poisson regression with robust standard errors to analyze the relationship between external factors and NVC. Additionally, the authors segmented the data set along demographic, spatial and sectoral subsets to compare them using the average treatment effect model. Findings This analysis confirms that technology readiness and technology intensity, as EEs, significantly boost digital entrepreneurship in a developing country. The authors also explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural environmental enabler and explored its facilitating effects and the enduring impacts post-pandemic. Moreover, the authors assessed the heterogeneous impact of the EEs across different groups and derived implications for each. Research limitations/implications While this study is comprehensive, it focuses exclusively on formal digital entrepreneurship within a single developing country, namely, Iran. Although the authors explored various EEs, they did not address all possible types, highlighting the potential for further research in other entrepreneurial sectors for a comparative analysis of EEs. Practical implications The initial findings affirm that most NVC in Iran stems from external factors. These findings have been widely used by policymakers to define the goals and objectives of EEs concerning their nature and impact. This research reveals that EEs have heterogeneous effects on NVC, varying across different characteristics such as gender, geography and industry sectors. The results of this study suggest that governments should reassess the role of “macro” policies to support vulnerable groups. EEs disproportionately benefit male founders, which exacerbates existing gender gaps and necessitates ongoing attention and intervention. Additionally, EEs have diverse impacts across industries, potentially favoring some while disadvantaging others because of varying social, cultural and economic factors. Originality/value NVC, central to entrepreneurship in developing nations, encounters numerous challenges, yet the role of EEs remains underexplored in this context. EEs are opportunities that are not limited to a subset of entrepreneurial actors; they act as levers influencing a wide range of entrepreneurial activities. This research distinctively investigates the empirical impact of EEs in a Middle Eastern developing country context, contributing to the growing literature on the external enablers framework.

Piercing the Shadows: Exploring the Influence of Signal Preprocessing on Interpreting Ultrasensitive Bioelectronic Sensor Data.

The development of ultrasensitive electronic sensors for in vitro diagnostics is essential for the reliable monitoring of asymptomatic individuals before illness proliferation or progression. These platforms are increasingly valued for their potential to enable timely diagnosis and swift prognosis of infectious or progressive diseases. Typically, the responses from these analytical tools are recorded as digital signals, with electronic data offering simpler processing compared to spectral and optical data. However, preprocessing electronic data from potentiometric biosensor arrays is still in its infancy compared to more established optical technologies. This study utilized the Single-Molecule with a Large Transistor (SiMoT) array, which has achieved a Technology Readiness Level of 5, to explore the impact of data preprocessing on electronic biosensor outcomes. A dataset consisting of plasma and cyst fluid samples from 37 patients with pancreatic precursor cyst lesions was analyzed. The findings revealed that standard signal preprocessing can produce misleading conclusions due to artifacts introduced by mathematical transformations. The study offers strategies to mitigate these effects, ensuring that data interpretation remains accurate and reflective of the underlying biochemical information in the samples.

Investigating older adults users' willingness to adopt wearable devices by integrating the technology acceptance model (UTAUT2) and the Technology Readiness Index theory.

With the continuous advancement of wearable technology, smart wearable devices are increasingly recognized for their value in health monitoring, assessment, and intervention for the older adults, thus promoting intelligent older adults care. This study, based on the theoretical framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) and the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) model, aims to identify and explore the key factors influencing older adults consumers' willingness to adopt smart wearable devices and their impact mechanisms. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect valid data from 389 older adults respondents. Empirical analysis validated the model's applicability and explored the key factors influencing acceptance. Factors influencing the use of smart wearable devices by the older adults include performance expectancy (β = 0.152, p < 0.001), effort expectancy (β = 0.154, p < 0.001), social influence (β = 0.135, p < 0.05), facilitating conditions (β = 0.126, p < 0.05), hedonic motivation (β = 0.166, p < 0.001), price value (β = 0.182, p < 0.001), and digital health literacy (β = 0.189, p < 0.001). Additionally, optimism (β = 0.208, p < 0.001), innovativeness (β = 0.218, p < 0.001), and discomfort (β = -0.245, p < 0.001) significantly positively influenced performance expectancy, while optimism (β = 0.282, p < 0.001), innovativeness (β = 0.144, p < 0.01), discomfort (β = -0.239, p < 0.001), and insecurity (β = -0.117, p < 0.05) significantly positively influenced effort expectancy. Insecurity did not significantly influence performance expectancy. Performance expectancy and effort expectancy partially mediated the relationship between personality traits (optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity) and behavioral intention. Digital health literacy significantly negatively moderated the relationship between performance expectancy and behavioral intention, as well as between effort expectancy and behavioral intention. The study confirms that integrating the UTAUT2 model and TRI theory effectively explains the acceptance of smart wearable devices among older adults consumers, emphasizing the importance of enhancing digital health literacy in the design and promotion of smart health devices. The findings provide guidance for developers, increasing the acceptance and usage rate of these devices among the older adults.

Electrochemically assisted remediation of a highly chlorinated organic polluted sludge: A full-scale case study

Electrochemical technology has emerged as an effective method to remediate soils in a laboratory environment. However, its practical application is often challenging due to the complexity of adopting small-scale parameters and identifying all the potential problems during the operation of electrokinetic plants. Here, a prototype demonstration in a space environment (Technology Readiness Level 7) is reported to remediate a 5 × 5 m2 plot of a leachate pond from a landfill containing dense sludge contaminated with chlorinated organic compounds. Bench-scale tests (50 kg per mock-up) were initially carried out to evaluate the effects of the key parameters (electric field, surfactants, and electrode materials) and demonstrated the feasibility of reducing contaminant concentrations in the sludge through dehalogenation and volatilisation. The average electro-osmotic flux was 0.23 cm day−1, comparable to that reported for silty soils. Iron electrodes enhanced electrokinetic water transport and reduced acidification, while glassy carbon electrodes increased water volatilisation, acidity near the anode, and dehalogenation of chlorinated hydrocarbons. Based on these findings, the full-scale design and operating conditions were selected. After 590 h of operation, the total pollutant concentration was reduced by 34 %, mainly due to volatilisation, using a sequence of six iron-electrode arrays at 1 V cm−1, which increased the sludge temperature over 60 °C. An evaporation rate of 0.021 cm d−1 and an electro-osmotic flux of 0.62 cm d−1 were achieved, consistent with the bench tests. These findings demonstrate the potential of electrokinetic plants for the remediation of sludges and provide expertise applicable to future remediation at other contaminated sites.

Artificial Intelligence Tools Usage: A Structural Equation Modeling of Undergraduates’ Technological Readiness, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes

AbstractThis study investigates the relationship between undergraduates’ technological readiness, self-efficacy, attitude, and usage of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The study leverages the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore the relationships among the study’s variables. The study’s participants are 176 undergraduate students from a public university in southwestern Nigeria. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the responses from the participants. The questionnaire has six constructs measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The results show that undergraduates’ technological self-efficacy determines their usage of AI tools and perception of AI tools’ ease of use, but this does not determine their perception of the AI tools’ usefulness and attitude towards AI tools usage. Also, technological readiness was found to determine the perception of the AI tools’ usefulness, perception of AI tools’ ease of use, and technological self-efficacy among undergraduates but does not determine their usage of AI tools and attitude towards AI tools usage. In addition, undergraduates’ attitude towards AI tools was considered the primary determinant of the usage of AI tools. It was concluded that some factors determine the adoption of AI tools, which are interrelated. Educators can play a pivotal role in empowering students to harness the power of AI tools by encouraging their usage under well-coordinated guidance rather than imposing outright restrictions. By fostering AI literacy and equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate these innovative technologies, educators can instil the confidence and competency needed to integrate AI tools into various academic activities seamlessly.

Mobile Technology and School Readiness: An Adverse Relationship with Executive Functioning in Low-Income Preschoolers

Mobile Technology and School Readiness: An Adverse Relationship with Executive Functioning in Low-Income Preschoolers

Model-based evaluation of ammonia energy storage concepts at high technological readiness level

Ammonia is a promising carbon-free energy carrier since it can be stored as a liquid at mild conditions and its production process from hydrogen and nitrogen is established and efficient. Several Ammonia-to-Power concepts have been proposed in the literature, many of which employ not-yet-mature electrochemical technologies. We model the charging and discharging phases of three ammonia energy storage concepts in Aspen Plus seeking a compromise between efficient concepts and mature technologies. In the charging phase, ammonia is produced via the Haber–Bosch process using hydrogen from low-temperature water electrolysis for all the considered concepts. For the discharging phase, three ammonia conversion processes are modeled: (i) ammonia is thermally decomposed into nitrogen and hydrogen by using thermal energy from storage, and hydrogen is converted into electricity in a fuel cell; (ii) ammonia is thermally decomposed by using heat generated through the combustion of a fraction of the ammonia stream, and the produced hydrogen is supplied to a fuel cell; (iii) ammonia is used as a fuel in a combined power cycle. We compare these concepts with respect to roundtrip efficiency and levelized cost of electricity. The roundtrip efficiency and the levelized cost of electricity of the modeled concepts are ca. 30–34 % and 0.28–0.31 €kWh−1 (for an electricity purchase price of 0.03 €kWh−1). Concept (i) has both the highest roundtrip efficiency and the lowest levelized cost of electricity. We identify the process bottlenecks via an exergy analysis.

Conference interpreters’ technology readiness and perception of digital technologies

Abstract The author reports on the findings of a survey among conference interpreters regarding their readiness for and perceptions of digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The Technology Readiness Index (TRI 2.0) was administered to a sample of 496 conference interpreters, most of them members of AIIC. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 of them to gain deeper insights into their attitudes towards AI-enabled tools and the potential impact on their professional practice. The results indicate a cautious openness towards technology balanced by concerns about cognitive load, ethical issues and the impact on traditional skills. The findings suggest the need for comprehensive training to enhance technological skills while maintaining ethical standards and also for research on the cognitive effects of AI-generated content and the evolving role of interpreters in a technology-driven landscape.

Techno-Economic Analysis of the Solid Oxide Semi-Closed CO2 Cycle for Different Plant Sizes

Abstract This work presents a detailed techno-economic evaluation of the SOS-CO2 cycle, a hybrid semi-closed cycle with solid oxide fuel cells developed by Politecnico di Milano. for different plant sizes, ranging from large utility plants (400 MWel) to industrial applications (50 MWel). The analysis includes the design and sizing of all the cycle components, including specific design optimization models for the most critical cycle components such as the regenerative heat exchanger and the turbine. Results are compared with the performance of the Allam cycle, an oxy-combustion cycle with higher technology readiness level. The results show that the SOS-CO2 cycle maintains high efficiency over the whole size range thanks to the modularity of the fuel cell and the regenerator which counterbalances the decrease in turbomachine efficiency at small sizes. For the utility scale plant, despite its higher specific investment cost (3761 €/kW vs. 2490€/kW), the SOS-CO2 cycle appears to be competitive with the Allam cycle in terms of cost of electricity (128.4 €/MWh and 127.8 €/MWh of the Allam cycle) thanks to its higher efficiency (68.9% vs. 53.1%). At smaller sizes, the higher efficiency and the lower dependance on the economies of scale make the SOS-CO2 more economically advantageous: for the 50 MWel plant, the cost of electricity of the SOS-CO2 is 175.8 €/MWh vs. 205.8 €/MWh of the Allam cycle.

Engineering decentralized electrodisinfection to sustain consistent chlorine generation under varying drinking water chloride content

In situ electrochlorination can offer an efficient and feasible solution to enable decentralized water disinfection. Unfortunately, there has been only a limited number of studies exploring single-pass flow cell systems with representative flowrates used at household level, particularly under varying chloride concentrations. This work aims to assess anode materials in a single pass and examine the impact of cross velocity, current density, and chloride concentration on various responses such as chlorine production and energy consumption. The primary objective is to determine whether the flow cell can achieve desirable chlorine levels under consistent operation while chloride content of water varies. Chlorine (Cl2/HOCl/OCl−), chlorine dioxide (ClO2) production, and toxic oxyanions (ClO3−, ClO4−) were assessed in a single pass setup utilizing different representative anodes including Ti/RuO2, Ti/IrO2, and Boron-doped diamond. Among these materials, the Ti/RuO2 anode emerged as the most suitable for effective chlorine generation while minimizing the formation of ClO3− and ClO4−. The performance of in situ electrochlorination using the Ti/RuO2 anode in the flow cell revealed that cross velocity exerted the most significant influence on chlorine generation, while chloride content and current density primarily impacted energy consumption. Optimization of the operating parameters illustrated that stable chlorine concentrations ranging from 2 to 4 mg L−1 could be maintained even with significant fluctuations in chloride concentration from 50 to 250 mg L−1, resulting in a daily energy consumption of less than 0.07 kWh per treated volume of 634 L (i.e., < 0.11 Wh L−1). These experimental findings hold promise for advancing electrodisinfection systems to higher technological readiness level.

Emerging trends in large format additive manufacturing processes and hybrid techniques

AbstractLarge format additive manufacturing (LFAM) technologies are rapidly growing with significant potential for application in multiple technological sectors like aerospace, tooling, automotive, marine, construction, and energy. LFAM processes offer significant advantages including reduced lead time, cost, and material waste, which are further amplified due to the increased volume of the components. This review paper focuses on LFAM technologies with the highest technology readiness level, i.e., metal Directed Energy Deposition (DED), polymer extrusion, and solid-state deposition (i.e. cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM)). Common system setups, the maximum deposition rate, and the range of processable materials, along with the achievable mechanical properties and geometrical characteristics, are outlined for each technology, both in individual and hybrid manufacturing formats. The main technological challenges are gathered and discussed to highlight the areas that require further development. Finally, the current industrial applications for LFAM technologies and the expected future developments are outlined. This review provides an overview of LFAM technologies’ current status and discusses their potential in improving the manufacturing of complex and large geometries, with a significant reduction in material and energy consumption, while ensuring high-quality and high-performance components.

Opportunities and barriers for the integration of Industry 4.0 into small and medium-sized enterprises in Tunisia: analysis with MICMAC and DEMATEL

This study presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the key opportunities and barriers in implementing Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in Tunisian medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using MICMAC (Matrice d’Impacts Croisés, Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement) and DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) methodologies, supported by a literature review and expert consultations. Both methods identify crucial opportunities such as digital collaboration and real-time information, along with barriers like under-utilization of academic knowledge and insufficient leadership commitment. While MICMAC emphasizes risk management, not fully recognized by DEMATEL, both converge on similar barriers with nuanced prioritization. Comparing these findings with existing literature highlights commonalities and differences in opportunities and barriers. The study underscores the importance of integrating sustainability and cost reduction into I4.0 frameworks and suggests incorporating technological readiness, leadership support, and innovative business models. For practical implementation, decision-makers should invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, foster collaboration with technology providers, and initiate pilot projects. Enhancing operational agility and efficiency through integrated digital platforms and adaptable systems is essential. Addressing barriers involves securing management support, improving technical expertise, managing resistance to change, and boosting research and development efforts.