Analysis of Causal Relationships in Industry ۴.۰ Readiness Evaluation: A Hybrid Fuzzy DEMATEL and System Dynamics Approach

In recent decades, digital transformation and the emergence of Industry ۴.۰ have highlighted the necessity for organizations to evaluate their readiness for adopting emerging technologies and meeting competitive demands. This study, aimed at providing a hybrid approach to identifying, screening, and analyzing the causal relationships of key components of Industry ۴.۰ readiness, initially extracted the most influential criteria and sub-criteria through expert interviews and latent content analysis. Subsequently, using the fuzzy Delphi method, ۱۷ final sub-criteria were identified and their impact and influence were determined via fuzzy DEMATEL. Furthermore, by constructing a total relations matrix and mapping causal loop diagrams (CLDs), a dynamic structure for examining internal interactions of factors was proposed. The results indicated that factors such as Technological Infrastructure and Investment act as key drivers, activating reinforcing loops and accelerating digital transformation while enhancing readiness. Additionally, flexible government policies can strike a balance between protecting intellectual property rights and facilitating innovation. This framework not only provides a comprehensive view of system dynamics but also enables managers and policymakers to identify leverage points for interventions. From a practical perspective, targeted investment in technological infrastructure, workforce empowerment, and supportive policymaking can guide organizations toward a sustainable and intelligent transition to Industry ۴.۰. Consequently, the presented hybrid approach, offering a multidimensional perspective, serves as a strategic tool for forward-looking decision-making and effective policy formulation for researchers and industry leaders alike.

کلیدواژه ها:

Industry ۴.۰ Readiness ، Digital Transformation ، System Dynamics Modeling ، Fuzzy DEMATEL