Work

Operational readiness for responsible technological transformation in textile SMEs: A conceptual framework and maturity model to support sustainable decision-making in production environments

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Textile SMEs are under pressure to adopt technologies that improve their operational efficiency, production visibility, resource allocation, and competitiveness, while also meeting demands for sustainability and responsible transformation. However, their financial constraints and lack of organizational readiness make this process difficult. This study proposes a conceptual framework to guide responsible technological transformation in textile SMEs, complemented with a decision-support maturity model (MM-RET 3 -SME) that links technology adoption to production efficiency, cost-related constraints, and sustainability-oriented performance. The framework details 20 internal and external driving forces classified into five categories, relevant Industry 4.0 technologies and defines 15 critical requirements in six categories. These elements are associated with operational readiness, cost-related constraints, and the conditions required for economically viable and responsible technological adoption. In addition, the proposed maturity model (Level 0–5) works as a decision-support tool for prioritizing investment actions according to maturity gaps. The research combines literature reviews, interviews with experts and a fuzzy analysis that validates the model and weights the criteria. The results show that: (i) the overall maturity level of the sector is at Level 2; (ii) enterprise size is a key factor, as the results place companies at different levels depending on their size: micro-enterprises (Level 1), small (Level 2) and medium-sized enterprises (Level 3); and (iii) the main gaps are in infrastructure and technology, data management, security and regulations, and costs and viability. From a production economics perspective, the model supports SMEs in linking technological readiness with investment prioritization, cost-related constraints, resource allocation, and operational performance under sustainability requirements.

Source: International Journal of Production Economics

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2026.110176

Authors: Israel Naranjo, Rocio de la Torre, Llanos Cuenca, Andrés Boza

Institutions: Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Universitat Politècnica de València

Language: English

Topic: Digital Transformation in Industry

Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Decent work and economic growth, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,420