Abstract

The objectives of the research are to explore the new technological, organizational and institutional changes leading to the implementation of models of Industry 4.0 into SMEs. The methodology includes a theoretical investigation of the industrial revolutions and current digital transformation processes, comparative studies of the EU policy efforts and national initiatives, as well as empirical research - in-depth interviews with companies in Bulgaria. The results include conclusions based on empirical data gathered within the DIGITRANS INTERREG project concerning the digital readiness of the Bulgarian SMEs.

JEL: А11, А12