The scientific periodical journal (indexed on Web of Science) published by the Tomas Bata University in Zlin offers results of basic and applied economic research in the English language.

In modern business, Industry 4.0 has brought in a technological transformation in which digital technologies provide improving quality in many aspects. Therefore, this research aims to explore the influence of leadership on quality achievements within Industry 4.0, connoting Quality 4.0. Accordingly, this research observes the mutual relations among all QMS elements encompassed in ISO 9004:2018 in the context of Quality 4.0. The developed research model consists of one independent variable: Leadership; and five dependent variables: Context and Identity; Resource Management; Process Management; Performance Management; Improvement, Learning, and Innovation. The survey is carried out through a questionnaire distributed among 345 companies of different types, ages, sizes, and industries. Gathered data are analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to perceive relationships between the variables. Findings indicate a direct positive influence among all observed variables, except the influence of Process Management on Improvement, Learning, and Innovation as Quality 4.0 achievements. The findings could have significant implications on leaders’ knowledge on investigating a roadmap to implement the well-based QMS to achieve sustainable results in Quality 4.0 improvement, learning, and innovation.

Industry 4.0 brings a revolution in using information and communication technologies within business activities. As such, Industry 4.0 enables important space for quality-related improvements but requires a sustained quality management system (QMS). The aim of this study is to predict the influence of ISO 9004:2018 QMS elements on Improvement, Learning, and Innovation achievements in Industry 4.0 using the SEM-ANN approach. The survey included 345 domestic and international companies of different types operating in Serbia. Conclusions demonstrate a direct positive influence between observed constructs (Leadership, Process Management, Resource Management, Performance Management) and Improvement, Learning, and Innovation. Only the Context and Identity of the organisation has a negative direction drawn from SEM analysis. Further, ANN verified SEM results, pointing out that all observed variables are seen as predictors of Improvement, Learning, and Innovation. The importance level corresponds to those elements’ SEM ranking. The paper could provide a roadmap towards achieving sustainable results in quality improvement, learning, and innovation in Industry 4.0 era.

The digitization of production processes in the manufacturing sector represents a pivotal transformation that fundamentally reshapes how companies achieve productivity, make informed decisions, and secure a competitive advantage. This research investigates the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies—including the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, 3D printing, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI)—within traditional manufacturing systems. The study focuses on three key dimensions driving digital transformation in manufacturing firms and examines their impact on digital platforms, which are increasingly critical for maintaining competitiveness in the digital age. The adoption of these platforms facilitates the seamless integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, thereby enhancing the growth potential and innovative capacity of manufacturing companies. This investigation involves a comprehensive analysis of data collected from 635 valid surveys across six countries—Serbia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria—using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings confirm the significant influence of positive employee attitudes toward digitization and the intention to utilize digital tools on the successful adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. These results underscore the necessity of fostering a culture that supports digital transformation, which, in turn, improves the efficiency and competitiveness of manufacturing firms. This study provides valuable insights into the future trajectory of digitization in the manufacturing sector, highlighting the essential role of digital platforms in the ongoing evolution of the industry.

The fourth industrial revolution is a significant driving force framing companies' digital, social, and economic needs. This concept considerably influences the outcomes of businesses by increasing cost-effectiveness, quality, and effectiveness. However, studies on performance outcomes of Industry 4.0 in Serbia are still scarce. The available literature mainly deals with papers that observe Industry 4.0 from only one point of view, most often positive or negative effects on business success. A literature gap was observed that would fulfil the observed Industry 4.0 from two opposite aspects, positive or negative. To overcome the literature gap, this paper aims to observe if Industry 4.0 is perceived as facilitating or limiting for business success. The study provides a more objective approach to observing and decision-making in Industry 4.0 acceptance. To support this contribution, the paper provide a deeper analysis of the factors that impact the financial, operational, and strategic performance outcomes associated with Industry 4.0. Considered factors are attitude toward digitalization, limitations of digitalization, and expected benefits of digitalization. The results gathered through 134 valid questionnaires are evaluated using Structural Equation Model. These results show that all relationships and impacts are confirmed except the influence of internal limitations on performance outcomes. These findings are encouraging for companies wanting to transfer to Industry 4.0.