In-depth review of industry 4.0: research implications and future perspectives

Authors : Fatih Gürcan, Handan Çam, Sana Ahmed

Pages : 928-949

Doi:10.17714/gumusfenbil.1719607

View : 146 | Download : 320

Publication Date : 2025-12-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The term “Industry 4.0” signifies a pivotal stage in industrial development, representing the current wave of transformation characterized by the integration of digital technologies into manufacturing and business processes. This concept spans multiple disciplines, including industrial engineering, data science, marketing, and strategic management. While a considerable volume of research has been conducted under the umbrella of Industry 4.0, there remains a lack of a comprehensive synthesis that captures the full scope and evolution of the field. The objective of this study is to systematically analyze, classify, and evaluate published research related to Industry 4.0, while identifying key gaps and forecasting potential future research directions. To accomplish this, a total of 10,696 journal articles indexed in the SCOPUS database from 2013 to 2023 were analyzed. The Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm—a widely used probabilistic topic modeling technique in text mining—was applied to uncover latent themes within the literature. The analysis revealed 41 major topics, which were subsequently organized into five overarching categories: Sustainability, Manufacturing, Technology, Process, and Management. Findings indicate a notable shift in research emphasis over the past decade—from predominantly technical and engineering-focused issues toward broader concerns involving process optimization and organizational management. This transition highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the complex challenges posed by Industry 4.0. Ultimately, this study not only maps the intellectual structure of existing research but also serves as a valuable resource for scholars, helping to navigate emerging trends and target underexplored areas in future investigations. This comprehensive thematic overview supports academics in pinpointing neglected subject areas, aligning future investigations with emerging priorities, and refining the strategic focus of Industry 4.0 research agendas.
Keywords : Bibliyometrik analiz, Dördüncü sanayi devrimi, Endüstri 4.0, Gizli dirichlet tahsisi (LDA)

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