An exploratory research of the implications for companies.
Loading...
URL
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
School of Business |
Bachelor's thesis
Unless otherwise stated, all rights belong to the author. You may download, display and print this publication for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Authors
Date
2020
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
(Mikkeli) Bachelor’s Program in International Business
Language
en
Pages
64 + 3
Series
Abstract
Objectives This study is conducted to explore the implications for companies of an Industry 4.0 adoption in the US Aerospace and Defense sector. The thesis’s main objectives are to assess the current intellectual and business impact of the fourth industrial revolution on US Aerospace and Defense companies, to describe the barriers they are facing toward an efficient adoption, and to provide them recommendations to take advantage of this wave of innovation. Summary The literature review examined the US Aerospace and Defense sector and the Industry 4.0, then showed the way companies could adopt innovations, and finally, the opportunities opened by the fourth industrial revolution for the targeted sector. To reach the research objectives, a qualitative study based on structured interviews of professionals from three major US companies and one European leader of the market, was conducted to explore and discuss their motivations and level of recognition on Industry 4.0, the challenges that could appear toward its adoption, and finally recommendations to achieve it. Also, a framework for Industry 4.0 adoption has been made thanks to respondent’s answers. Conclusions To conclude, even though the concept of Industry 4.0 is recognized as highly promising for US Aerospace and Defense Industry, its real impact on companies is currently still modest due to a lack of digital literacy from executives, shy financial decision making, nature itself of the business and the lack of governmental incentives. The thesis recommends the targeted sector companies to gain competitive advantage through Industry 4.0 following adoption process: the evaluation of digital maturity, pilot phase, building a strategy for the transformation, the holistic implementation, and the optimization of the change. This roadmap should be supported by the establishment of the three following pillars; a digital workforce, digital business models and strategic collaborations.Description
Thesis advisor
Grinsted, SusanKeywords
Industry 4.0, aerospace and defense industry, innovation adoption, supply chain management, technology strategy