Industry 4.0 and lean augmentation? Digital transformation in the German and Japanese automotive industry

This paper explores digital transformation trajectories in the German and Japanese automotive industry based on case studies. Cases include both follow-up investigations of previously analysed cases and additional cases. Previous research on digitalisation in both countries observed that German and Japanese automotive firms follow distinct patterns of utilising digital technologies which can be stylised as bottom-up experimentation in Japan and top-down implementation in Germany. This investigation finds that some firms encounter issues with bottom-up experimentation and implement top-down initiatives to counteract arising issues. Further, it is found that firms deviate from national patterns, suggesting that factors besides nationality influence digital transformation approaches. © The Author(s) 2024.