The capability-based maturity model towards decarbonization: integrating quality management practices with Industry 4.0 technologies

The transition towards low-carbon and digitally enabled manufacturing requires an integrated understanding of Quality Management (QM), Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Industrial Decarbonization (ID) capabilities. However, existing maturity models (MMs) assess these domains in isolation. This study develops and applies a capability-based MM that evaluates the integrated maturity of QM–I4.0–ID in manufacturing organizations. Grounded in Design Science Research, the MM expands a framework comprising 49 organizational capabilities and 11 dimensions. Those are algorithmically linked within the model’s back end. The MM was validated and preliminarily applied in 17 manufacturing firms. Findings from an automotive manufacturer demonstrate heterogeneous maturity profiles, as decarbonization performance coexists with limited digital or managerial integration. The dashboards and multi-level diagnostics provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making. The study contributes to theory with an integrated perspective on digitalization and sustainability. Further, it offers practitioners and policymakers a prescriptive tool to guide structured maturity improvement pathways.