Indústria 4.0: caminhos da transição e estratégias de inovação em empresas de autopeças no Brasil

The integration of technologies with innovation strategies can enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Although these organizations face greater challenges in adopting the principles of Industry 4.0, making their transition slower than that of large companies, enabling factors such as lean manufacturing and innovative strategies can accelerate this process. The objective of this study was to identify and analyze how the main barriers, benefits, and enabling factors associated with the transition to Industry 4.0 influence the innovation strategies of small and medium-sized companies in the Brazilian automotive sector. To achieve this objective, two research methods were employed: a survey conducted with 51 industrial managers from automotive companies and a single case study carried out in a medium-sized auto parts manufacturer located in the Greater São Paulo metropolitan area. The results indicate that the adoption of innovative strategies can foster the creation of new business opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and identify practical pathways to overcome existing barriers, thereby facilitating SMEs' transition toward Industry 4.0. These findings highlight the strategic role of innovation in driving digital transformation and strengthening the competitiveness and sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the automotive industry.