I 4.0 and Quality Management. A bibliometric review about challenges, drivers and trends for its adoption

Purpose: Industry 4.0 (I 4.0) enables companies to produce high-quality products and services at lower costs, making business processes more sustainable. By exploring this topic, the aim of the paper is to analyze the evolution of I 4.0 research, identifying the leading journals and influential papers that have shaped I 4.0 and Quality Management. We examine the conceptual structure and core topics within I 4.0 research, including the understanding of how advanced technologies drive transformation, promote sustainability, and evolve quality management practices. Methodology: Our research explores the relationship between I 4.0 and quality management through bibliometric analysis. We started with an initial sample of over 400 papers and selected 209 for detailed analysis. Findings: I 4.0 encourages the integration of advanced technologies into quality management. It highlights the importance of developing new skills, fostering a supportive culture, and increasing customer involvement to improve quality. However, more research is needed in areas like Big Data, Analytics, AI, and Skills Development to understand and fully address the transformative impacts of Industry 4.0. Contributions from countries such as India, the UK, China, and Italy indicate a global interest in using advanced technologies to boost economic growth and industrial development. Research limitations/Implications: I 4.0 transforms quality management by integrating advanced technologies, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability. Ongoing research and strategic implementation are essential to maximise the benefits of this transformation, improving industrial processes and productivity. Future studies should focus on incorporating AI, Big Data, and cyberphysical systems into quality management, fostering a supportive culture, and enhancing customercentric practices. Originality/Value: Differently from previous literature analysis and bibliometric studies, this paper analyses the topic of I 4.0 and quality management in a comprehensive overview that integrates various aspects of I 4.0 and quality management. Unlike prior studies that may focus narrowly on specific elements or methodologies, this paper aims to synthesise findings across multiple dimensions, including technological advancements and main trends.