Marketing, Operations and General Management

Based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Technologies, manufacturing industries are witnessing the fourth Industrial Revolution, the Industry 4.0 (I4.0), and digital transformation is a keystone in this change. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are strategic in thoroughly digitalizing companies, and I4.0 operations depend on CPS efficiency. Digital plants are held by digital technologies that provide excellent tools for improving product security and supply chain security but requires structured information management to maintain the CPS in its highest level of efficiency. These systems are overly complex and hard to handle when several CPS need to be combined as in a large factory, where several machines must work together to achieve a common goal. This research addresses these issues, and we propose an information management framework of industrial CPS that, towards the industrial efficiency, affords an increase in value for all stakeholders. The framework structures the information through the introduction of two innovative value co-creation concepts: (i) Fingerprint (FP-I4.0), a virtual vehicle that can carry two types of structured information and (ii) Cockpit4.0, an interaction entity between the various service systems, applied from cradle-to-cradle. Validated through the Service Science Theory, we conclude that the proposed empirical framework may boost up CPS efficiency and, from it, I4.0 operations will be more effective.

A movement to mobilize the Portuguese Ornamental (OS) sector to reduce waste and improve flexibility began in 2004. Boosted by R&D Mobilizing Projects in consortium and fostered by two of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG9 and SDG12), this mobilization resulted in a new generation of technologies, concepts and innovative practices, matching the needs of Portuguese OS companies, stressing an integrated approach to European Competitiveness that should be fostered by a sustainable industrial policy, combined with innovation and skills. Bearing in mind that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, and considering the importance of following the goals and guidelines of SDGs 9 and 12 in the industrial processes optimization achievement in the Portuguese OS sector, the following research question arises: What is the impact of the R&D Mobilizing Projects on the efficiency and image of Portuguese OS companies? The objective of this research is to conceptualize an empirical framework based on a mixed methodology, to assess the efficiency and image benefits resulting from participation in these R&D Mobilizing Projects. Through applying the empirical framework to two case studies, it was concluded that for companies that since 2004 have been part of R&D Mobilizing Projects, the evolution in terms of improved energy and raw-material efficiency, soft skills and improved facilities is more positive than in other OS companies. Moreover, there are potential gains in efficiency and image of 9.62%, compared to companies that have never participated in this type of project. This results match with the EU's integrated climate and energy policy and an integrated approach to the sustainable management of natural resources, the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The sustainable production and consumption revealed in the Portuguese OS sector are among the drivers for achieving objectives under both the SDG and the Lisbon strategy.