Understanding Technology Adoption Challenges in Manufacturing: A Four-Year Longitudinal Analysis of U.S. SMMs

ABSTRACT Manufacturing companies are increasingly prioritizing digital transformation — a key driver of global competitiveness. Large first-tier manufacturing organizations generally possess the financial resources and technical expertise to assess and deploy Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing technologies, which enhance operational efficiency, market responsiveness, and overall profitability. In contrast, more than 90% of the manufacturing supply chain, comprising small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs), often lack these resources and encounter significant obstacles to technology adoption. Over the past four years, a longitudinal study has systematically monitored the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies to reveal trends, challenges, and opportunities across the U.S. industrial landscape. Drawing on these findings, this paper examines the main factors limiting technology adoption among SMMs and highlights how the electronics industry can leverage these findings to drive innovation and growth.