Abstract
Collaborative robots (cobots) are emerging in manufacturing as a response to the current mass customization production paradigm and the fifth industrial revolution. Before adopting this technology in production processes and benefiting from its advantages, manufacturers need to analyze the investment. Therefore, this study aims to develop a decision -making framework for cobot adoption, incorporating a comprehensive set of quantitative and qualitative criteria, to be used by decision -makers in manufacturing companies. To achieve that objective, a qualitative study was conducted by collecting data through interviews with key actors in the cobot (or advanced manufacturing technologies) adoption decision process in manufacturing companies. The main findings of this study include, firstly, an extensive list of decision criteria, as well as some indicators to be used by decisionmakers, some of which are new to the literature. Secondly, a decision -making framework for cobot adoption is proposed, as well as a set of guidelines to use it. The framework is based on a weighted scoring method and can be customizable by the manufacturing company depending on its specific context, needs, and resources. The main contribution of this study consists in assisting decision -makers of manufacturing companies in performing more complete and sustained decision analyses regarding cobots adoption.

Abstract
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are increasingly used by manufacturing companies to meet the demands for greater flexibility and to adapt to the trend of mass customisation in production. When considering the adoption of cobots, companies enter a critical decision-making phase. This study aims to identify the relevant decision factors for adopting collaborative robots (cobots) in manufacturing medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Portugal, using a combined framework of Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE), Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory, and Institutional Theory. Data was collected through an online survey distributed to Portuguese manufacturing companies, yielding 78 valid responses. Analysis conducted using SmartPLS 4 revealed that top management support, resource availability, and industry pressure significantly influence the adoption decision. However, factors such as the relative advantage of cobots, compatibility with existing processes, organisational innovativeness, human resources quality, and external support did not significantly impact SMEs’ adoption of cobots. These findings enhance the understanding of technology management, specifically the process of adopting cobots in manufacturing. The insights from this study help managers focus on the key factors critical for successful cobot adoption, supporting decision-makers in making more informed choices. © IFIP International Federation for Information Processing 2024.

Abstract
Companies are putting more emphasis on the customer experience, associating services with their physical products with the help of emerging technologies. At the same time, several actors participating in research and innovation projects, such as universities, research institutes, and service providers, are involved in the value co-creation process. Thus, this study describes how digitalisation and servitisation in the context of participation in research and innovation projects contributed to innovation in industrial companies’ business model (BM). Qualitative exploratory research took place, collecting data through interviews with twelve key actors in industrial companies. The interviewees were professionals in management and R&D areas and founders from nine European countries who participated in six research and innovation European projects. The exchange of knowledge and experiences between the different actors of the innovation ecosystem influences this. From a practical point of view, research provides managers of industrial companies with the best practices and describes the main changes observed in the BM Canvas. This study also contributes to categorising companies in terms of their service maturity by associating factors other than servitisation, such as digitalisation and the actors of the research and innovation projects. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

Abstract

Abstract
Previous studies show that digital transition brings several benefits and challenges for companies. Among those challenges, particularly for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the main one is increased capacitation, from technical roles to management. Considering this, the main objective of this study is to identify the training needs and the ecosystem support in the face of the digital transition for Portuguese manufacturing SMEs.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry experts and company professionals in the automotive and textile sectors. It was concluded that all workers, from technical roles to middle and top management, need more digital capabilities and would benefit from training programmes. The most desired areas for training are data science, virtualisation skills, quality assurance, technical training, and soft skills. The preferred format is physical (or hybrid at most) during working hours and with theoretical training before on-the-job learning. Both industrial companies and experts believe in the value of involving external entities in the training of employees, with the three most referred entities being technology and interface centres, universities, and business associations.