Leveraging technology adoption to navigate the 4IR towards a future-ready business: A systematic literature review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze technology adoption constructs that are instrumental for organizations to effectively utilize emerging technologies, enabling them to navigate the complexities and opportunities presented by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). To achieve this a descriptive research approach was used, guided by a systematic review of literature from 2016 to 2022. Among the 4037 studies initially identified, only 69 were deemed relevant. Meta-synthesis was then used to systematically identify, categorize, and quantify fundamental constructs inherent in the models from the relevant literature. As a result of this process, 406 constructs were identified across six thematic categories. These were subsequently integrated to develop a conceptual model that can be used to coordinate strategies to harness the potential of the 4IR towards a future-ready business. Findings show that the role of technology adoption remains pertinent in the ever-digitized world in which businesses operate and certain constructs are key to explain, support, and predict enterprise-wide adoption in the 4IR paradigm. Future studies can expand and test the model to promote digital fluency required by business constituents, noting differences across sectors.