Purpose

This paper aims to propose a collaborative approach model developed based on observations of two aerospace manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) pursuing their digital transformation toward Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focuses on two manufacturing SMEs in North America, and data were collected using longitudinal case study and research intervention method. Data collection was performed through observation and intervention within the collaborative projects over 18 months.

Findings

A model of a collaborative approach to digital transformation (CADT) for manufacturing SMEs was produced. Based on the study findings, the collaboration manifests itself at various stages of the transformation projects, such as the business needs alignment, project portfolio creation, technology solution selection and post-mortem phase.

Research limitations/implications

Research using the case study method has a limitation in the generalization of the model. The CADT model generated in this study might be specific to the aerospace manufacturing industry and collaboration patterns between manufacturing SMEs. The results could vary in different contexts.

Practical implications

The proposed CADT model is particularly relevant for manufacturing SMEs' managers and consultants working on digital transformation projects. By adopting this approach, they could better plan and guide their collaboration approach during their Industry 4.0 transformation.

Originality/value

This research provides a new perspective to digital transformation approaches in the aerospace industry. It can be integrated into other research findings to formulate a more integrated and comprehensive CADT model in industries where SMEs are significant players.

中文翻译：

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制造业中小企业数字化转型 (CADT) 模型的协作方法

目的

本文旨在提出一种基于对两家航空航天制造中小企业 (SME) 进行数字化转型的观察而开发的协作方法模型。

设计/方法/方法

本研究以北美的两家制造业中小企业为研究对象，采用纵向案例研究和研究干预方法收集数据。数据收集是通过合作项目中超过 18 个月的观察和干预进行的。

发现

为制造业中小企业制作了数字化转型 (CADT) 协作方法模型。根据研究结果，合作体现在转型项目的各个阶段，例如业务需求调整、项目组合创建、技术解决方案选择和事后分析阶段。

研究限制/影响

使用案例研究方法的研究在模型的泛化方面存在局限性。本研究中生成的 CADT 模型可能特定于航空航天制造业和制造业中小企业之间的协作模式。结果在不同的情况下可能会有所不同。

实际影响

提议的 CADT 模型与从事数字化转型项目的制造业中小企业经理和顾问特别相关。通过采用这种方法，他们可以在工业 4.0 转型期间更好地规划和指导他们的协作方法。

原创性/价值

这项研究为航空航天业的数字化转型方法提供了新的视角。它可以整合到其他研究成果中，以在中小企业是重要参与者的行业中制定更加综合和全面的 CADT 模型。