A mixed-methods investigation of stage-specific drivers for smart manufacturing adoption in Taiwanese SMEs operating in Vietnam as a case study

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants influencing Taiwanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam to adopt smart manufacturing systems by applying a mixed methods research (MMR) approach and an integrated three-stage framework across pre-adoption, implementation, and post-adoption phases. Employing a mixed-methods design, the quantitative phase of this approach applies the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to evaluate 27 expert-validated factors. The empirical results reveal that post-adoption outcomes hold the highest priority (58.9%), followed by implementation (23.4%) and pre-adoption evaluation (17.6%). Key determinants such as human–machine integration, system solution capability, and flexible production highlight the critical role of organisational support and talent development. Within the qualitative phase, two complementary case studies – a textile dyeing digitalisation project and an automated helmet painting system – validate these priorities, demonstrating that operational efficiency, defect reduction, and manager-integrator involvement are critical to cross-border adoption success. Ultimately, this paper provides an empirical, stage-based framework for smart manufacturing diffusion in emerging markets and offers vital strategic guidance for international technology solution providers entering the Vietnamese market.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, 2026 · DOI ↗