Study goals
To investigate the main barriers to the adoption of Industry 5.0 (I5.0) in leather handbag and accessory manufacturers located in Novo Hamburgo and Estância Velha, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Relevance / originality
To investigate the main barriers to the adoption of Industry 5.0 (I5.0) in leather handbag and accessory manufacturers located in Novo Hamburgo and Estância Velha, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Methodology / approach
Three case studies were conducted using methodological triangulation, combining in-depth individual interviews, systematic on-site observation, and document analysis. Qualitative data were organized and categorized using NVivo software, based on barriers identified in the specialized literature.
Main results
The companies analyzed are at different stages of technological maturity but share efforts to align production practices with I5.0 principles. Key barriers include financial constraints, shortage of qualified labor, artisanal heritage, and low interoperability between production systems.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
The study deepens the understanding of barriers to I5 0 adoption in traditional sectors, integrating technological, human, and organizational aspects. The qualitative analysis using NVivo highlights the importance of methodological triangulation to strengthen results in research based on multiple case studies.
Social / management contributions
The research highlights strategies such as gradual digitalization, employee appreciation, and adherence to sectoral certification programs (ABVTEX) as pathways to integrate technology, sustainability, and humanization in the leather-footwear sector, offering insights for public policies and managerial decision-making.