Managing the barriers of Industry 4.0 adoption and implementation in textile and clothing industry: Interpretive structural model and triple helix framework

Abstract Manufacturing industries worldwide are on the cusp of Industry 4.0 revolution which will create a paradigm shift by integrating the physical and virtual worlds. This study attempts to identify the barriers of Industry 4.0 adoption and implementation in Indian textile and clothing industry. Fourteen barriers were shortlisted through literature review, followed by questionnaire survey among industry experts. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) was used to elicit the contextual driver-driven relationships among these barriers. It was found that lack of trained staff; lack of understanding and commitment of top management; lack of government support and policies; and poor research and development are the driving barriers. High implementation cost; fear of failure; and seamless integration and compatibility issues are the driven barriers. To overcome these barriers, a triple helix based framework has been proposed for collaborative activities among the actors of textile and clothing organisations, academia and government. This study is the first of its kind to identify and analyse the Industry 4.0 barriers in textile and clothing industry and to propose their mitigation strategies. The outcome of this study will help the policy makers to devise strategies for Industry 4.0 adoption and implementation in Indian textile and clothing industry.