Enterprises' network structure and their technology standardization capability in Industry 4.0

Abstract

Smart manufacturing is a key element in Industry 4.0. However, studies on the relationship between manufacturers' network structure and their technology standardization capability are not available. As such, this paper develops a model to explore the relationships among enterprises' network structure, their knowledge acquisition capability and their technology standardization capability. A survey on manufacturers in China is conducted. Hypotheses are developed, and structural equation modelling is applied to analyse the model. The results indicate that the three dimensions of enterprises' network structure are positively related with their technology standardization capability. Enterprises' knowledge acquisition capability mediates the relationship between their network structure and their technology standardization capability.