Navigating the path to Industry 4.0: a study on key barriers in Indian textile supply chain

PurposeThis study investigates the barriers impeding the adoption of Industry 4.0 in the Indian textile sector.Design/methodology/approachIt identifies and prioritizes 15 significant barriers based on thorough research and expert opinions. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method is used to assess the influence and interdependencies of these barriers. A sensitivity analysis further validates the robustness of the findings.FindingsThe research uncovers significant barriers to I4.0 adoption, emphasizing their cause-and-effect dynamics. Key barriers include high implementation costs, inadequate government support, lack of managerial commitment, difficulties with technology integration, concerns about security and privacy and employee resistance due to job insecurity. These challenges are ranked to help decision-makers develop effective strategies for overcoming them.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses solely on the Indian textile sector, indicating the need for further research in other countries to enhance the general applicability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe insights provided can assist policymakers and industry leaders in understanding the key barriers hindering I4.0 adoption. This knowledge supports the development of sector-specific policies and strategies that promote I4.0 practices and facilitate smooth integration within the supply chain.Originality/valueThis research is among the first to employ the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method framework to analyse the interrelations among barriers affecting I4.0 adoption in the Indian textile sector, offering valuable empirical insights.