EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS ON INTENTION TO ADOPT INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGY: THE ROLE OF TOP MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Abstract

The General objectives of these research work is to assess the “Effects of Technological Factors on Intention to Adopt Industry 4.0 Technology: The Role of Top Management Support.” The increasing use of technology by firms has necessitated the need to further understand the factors that influence the rate of technology adoption by Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs in Nigeria, specifically amongst printing press SMEs in Bauchi State. Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was used as the underpinning theory in this research work. Related literatures by various authors on Industry 4.0 Technology were reviewed, survey research method was adopted in the research work. Three research questions, developed into seven research hypotheses, guided the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and the population for the study is 274 printing press employees in Bauchi metropolis. The Data collected was analysed using Smart PLS SEM 4.0 and SPSS 20. The study finds that, perceived relative advantage and perceived compatibility are positively and significantly associated with SME's intention to adopt industry 4.0 technology. It was concluded that in order to remain competitive, it is important for printing SMEs to stay up to date with the latest trends in printing technology and techniques. Among the recommendation was that Printing SMEs should endeavour to adopt the use of industry 4.0 technology facilities so as to maintain high standards of quality to effectively satisfy the need of their customers.