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This collection on 'Artificial intelligence, big data, algorithms and Industry 4.0 in firms and clusters' is introduced exploring the themes discussed by the nine papers and grouped into three categories to uncover new dynamics and identify future research opportunities for clusters and organizations in these transformative times. The first group explores theoretical aspects of AI and its evolution in social sciences, focusing on industry 4.0, smart cities, big data, and other related topics. The second group examines the role of industrial robots in employment, productivity, and knowledge absorption in industrial districts. The third group discusses innovation in the context of local production systems, AI ecosystems, and the growth and potential of the Metaverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, stems from the rapid advancement of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Production Systems. It has the potential to weave positive changes to firms and impact organizational structure layers. Therefore, it provides an impetus for the collaboration of factories, suppliers, and customers. Nevertheless, due to the difference of Industry 4.0 vision among companies, there is a lack of unified perception and approach of its implementation roadmap. Therefore, many firms in both developed and developing countries that step in the way of digital transformation encounter not only organizational, technological, and operational challenges but are also compelled to cope with a large deal of confusion. Hence, this paper aims to identify the main concepts, characteristics, and technology enablers related to Industry 4.0 to provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of this paradigm. It then clusters and matches the derived concepts and characteristics associated with Industry 4.0. Further, the paper provides an analysis of how these clusters are supported by technology enablers of Industry 4.0, as well as managerial implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research abstract: This paper uses an essay format to set out the major issues of attracting FDI in times of digital business transformation. It departs from identifying the changing nature of international production patterns and altering profiles of MNEs due to fourth industrial revolution and discusses the implication of thereof on FDI policy designing and implementing. It diagnoses the likely evolution of such policy aiming at attracting digital FDI and outlines the related challenges. It draws on the case of Poland and argues that humbler, yet quality-oriented and selective approach the policymakers might need to adopt, should focus on providing the right conducive business environment among others by pursuing the smart industrial policy and by leveraging the clusters advantages. Managerial abstract: The changing nature of international production and altering profiles of MNEs due to fourth industrial revolution impact how the FDI policy is designed and implemented. By drawing on the case of Poland it can be argued that humbler, yet quality-oriented and selective approach the policy-makers might need to adopt, should focus on providing the right conducive business environment. This implies pursuing the smart industrial policy and leveraging the clusters advantages. At the same time, it would be crucial to support local companies as partners for such MNEs – i.e. to empower domestic firms and embed foreign firms. Facilitating further cluster developments might prove critical in embedding footloose MNEs and equip local entities to cope with new challenges of digital transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitization and its impact on regions and clusters remains overlooked in the literature, and constitute this present paper's goal. How does an industrial district transit collectively to the adoption of new radical changes brought about by Industry 4.0? This study explores the role of collective actors and innovation platforms during the early stages of a pilot policy to stimulate a collective transition of an entire MID (Marshallian Industrial District) into Industry 4.0. We posit that institutional isomorphism and the existent social capital in MIDs is a double-sword phenomenon that can also positively constitute an enabler for fostering change on a collective-basis. Technology transitions, such as Industry 4.0, can be supported and led by collective actors that are central in facilitating the adoption of Industry 4.0 in MIDs, enticing innovative firms to engage in that transition, establishing, legitimizing, and embedding a new set of processes, practices and inter-firm arrangements for digitizing and then promoting imitation: the positive leverage of isomorphism. Thus, MID transition is facilitated through capitalizing on the MID logic of cooperation-competition and isomorphism, by developing and promoting a collective understanding of the new paradigm, building a supportive infrastructure, educating in the new technology and avoiding cognitive inertia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]