Purpose:

This study analyzes the current situation on the knowledge and use of Industry 4.0-related technologies of specialized human resources (SHR), mainly engineers from seven industries in Baja California, Mexico.

Methodological design:

Based on an online survey of 164 SHR employees in seven industries (automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, plastics, metalworking and technical and technological services), respondents' opinions of their knowledge of I4.0-associated technologies and their level of application in the companies where respondents work were analyzed.

Results:

From the assumptions raised, it is observed that the majority, both interviewees and companies, have a low level of knowledge and implementation of I4.0 technologies. Tangible technologies, with less complexity and less novel than I4.0, is where SHR have the greatest knowledge and are widely used in companies. The automotive industry did not turn out to have the highest level of knowledge or implementation as expected.

Research limitations:

This is a perception survey.

Findings:

A relevant theoretical and practical implication of the study is the following: Baja California has a long tradition of export industrialization; however, achieved learning can contribute to the development of new skills. The capabilities achieved are not sufficient to adopt technologies associated with I4.0 since they are of a different nature than previous technologies.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )