Exploring the Intersection of Industry 4.0 and Social Entrepreneurship: A Literature Review and Future Directions

Exploring the Intersection of Industry 4.0 and Social Entrepreneurship: A Literature Review and Future Directions

Azyyati Anuar^1*, Daing Maruak Sadek², Firdaus Abdul Rahman³, Mohamad Azli Razali⁴, Mohamad Shaufi Ishak ⁵ & Umari Abdurrahim Abi Anwar ⁶

¹Faculty of Business and Management, Digital Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Malaysia

²Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Malaysia

³School of Information Science, College of Computing, Informatics & Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani, 08400 Merbok, Malaysia

⁴Arshad Ayob Graduate Business School, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Kedah, Kampus Sungai Petani

⁵Lam Research International Sdn. Bhd, PMT 789, Persiaran Cassia Selatan 1, Taman Perindustian Batu Kawan, 14110 Bandar Cassia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

⁶Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Islam Bandung, Indonesia

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.8090303

Received: 04 October 2024; Accepted: 07 October 2024; Published: 25 October 2024

ABSTRACT

Industry 4.0 has affected several industries through AI, big data and IoT integration into various industries for efficiency in production. Nonetheless, the practice of social entrepreneurship has embraced these innovations less than their conventional counterparts because of such challenges as limited access to capital, qualified personnel, and resources. The purpose of this research is to shed light on the specific opportunities Industry 4.0 technologies can unlock for social entrepreneurship to create more value to address social issues with better solutions. In regard to limitations, the current study limits itself to an analysis of past literature, which confines the study findings to the avenues where tools in Industry 4.0 can be most effective in creating a positive impact alongside the manner in which social entrepreneurs could harness the toolbox provided to them by Industry 4.0 to amplify their positive impact on economies, health care, education and conservation of the environment. The review notes a rising trend in scholarly concerns with Industry 4.0 and its implications on social ventures, this discussion also reveals paucity of scientific information especially where there are deficits of concrete empirical data on experience and where there is lack of actual practice of implementing these advanced technologies in short resource environments. In this paper, authors point out that financial, technological, and policy-type challenges keep being the barriers that social entrepreneurs need to overcome to fully capitalise on these innovations. The study concludes that even though Industry 4.0 holds promises for the operationalisation of social enterprise in developing country settings, lack of structures and technical knowledge in the regions acts a limiting factor. To make Industry 4.0 feasible for organizations across the globe with a focus on those in LMICs, the revolution requires integration between technology creators, policy makers, and social entrepreneurs. Another factor significantly tied to these technologies is the emergence of permissive jurisprudential environments and relevant training curricula to safely apply these technologies in the resolution of the world’s problems. Thus, this study adds to the literature on possible impact of Industry 4.0 on social entrepreneurship and calls for more research on the subject to fill the gap that exists in the literature.

Keywords: Industry 4.0 Adoption, Social Entrepreneurship, Advanced Technologies, Sustainability and Innovation & Barriers to Technological Integration

INTRODUCTION

Industry 4.0, often referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, represents the systematic application of digital technologies to enhance industrial processes and optimize the overall functioning of industries. Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies in manufacturing and production processes (González-Sarmiento et al., 2021). Key technologies defining Industry 4.0 include the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and automation (Husainy, 2023; Manikanawar et al., 2021). These technologies enable the creation of “smart factories” where cyber-physical systems monitor processes, create virtual copies of the physical world, and make decentralized decisions (Helmold & Terry, 2021). The IoT, particularly in its industrial form (IIoT), plays a crucial role in connecting devices and systems (Manikanawar et al., 2021). AI and big data analytics are driving forces behind technological innovations, allowing for maximum data utilization (González-Sarmiento et al., 2021). Simulation is another key technology in Industry 4.0, contributing to advanced industrial setups (Manikanawar et al., 2021). These advancements are transforming manufacturing, automation, and robotics, significantly impacting economic growth (Husainy, 2023). IoT facilitates the continuous flow of information across interconnected devices, improving operational efficiency and real-time reporting (Piccarozzi, 2018). Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing manufacturing and healthcare industries by processing vast amounts of data to streamline processes and enhance productivity (Rupp, 2020; Chen et al., 2024). Big data analytics has emerged as a crucial tool for supporting management decisions by deriving strategic insights from large datasets. It enables organizations to make fact-based decisions rather than relying on intuition or hidden knowledge (Osuszek et al., 2016). Together, these technologies form the foundation of Industry 4.0, applicable not only in business but also in social entrepreneurial platforms.

Social entrepreneurship, by contrast, focuses on identifying social, environmental, or community issues and addressing them through business-driven solutions. Unlike traditional entrepreneurship, which focuses on profit maximization, social entrepreneurs prioritize positive social outcomes while maintaining high performance standards (Gutterman, 2022). Social entrepreneurs use business strategies to solve societal challenges, reinvesting profits to expand their mission and impact. Research suggests that social entrepreneurship can have a significant impact on economic self-sufficiency and life stability for their employees (Rotz et al., 2015). Moreover, the integration of technological innovations with business models enhances the capacity of social enterprises to drive meaningful change (Ratten, 2013). In the context of Industry 4.0, social entrepreneurs are better positioned to adopt new technologies and amplify their social impact.

Exploring the intersection of Industry 4.0 and social entrepreneurship is essential, as advanced technologies provide solutions to pressing social issues. Recent studies highlight the significant impact of AI, IoT, and big data on enhancing social enterprises’ effectiveness. AI-powered solutions are reshaping social enterprises by improving efficiency, scalability, and decision-making in addressing complex social issues (Redko, 2023). These technologies enable social entrepreneurs to craft strategic interventions addressing challenges such as poverty, healthcare accessibility, and environmental sustainability, all while fostering economic growth. Industry 4.0 impacts the entire supply chain, necessitating new organizational structures and business models that focus on service design, open innovation, and network approaches (Prause, 2015). By merging technology and social entrepreneurship, we can develop innovative solutions to tackle global social challenges. It is therefore critical to understand and apply Industry 4.0 concepts to social entrepreneurship in order to create a more inclusive future.

This study employs a qualitative literature review methodology to explore the intersections of Industry 4.0 technologies with social entrepreneurship. The goal is to synthesize insights from existing academic and industry sources on the ways advanced technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data—are integrated into social enterprises. This approach enables an in-depth analysis of the topic by systematically reviewing published research and identifying trends, opportunities, and challenges faced by social entrepreneurs in adopting these technologies.

Despite the growing body of research on Industry 4.0, there remains limited literature on how social entrepreneurs can leverage these technologies. Most studies focus on their application in conventional business sectors, leaving a gap in understanding how they can promote social innovation. Additionally, there is a lack of real-world research on the implementation of Industry 4.0 in social enterprises, particularly in organizations in developing economies or those with limited funding. Therefore, this article aims to address this gap by exploring the role of Industry 4.0 in social entrepreneurship. Its objectives are to: (1) examine how Industry 4.0 technologies enhance the viability and effectiveness of social enterprises, (2) identify the challenges social entrepreneurs face in implementing these technologies, and (3) propose future research and policy directions for integrating Industry 4.0 into the social entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The article is structured to provide a thorough exploration of these themes. It begins with an overview of Industry 4.0 and social entrepreneurship concepts. The literature review then explores current research, the role of social entrepreneurship, industry 4.0 and identifying both opportunities and challenges. Finally, the article concludes with recommendations for future research and practical strategies for social entrepreneurs to effectively leverage Industry 4.0 technologies.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The Role of Social Entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurship focuses on tackling societal, environmental, and community challenges through innovative business models that generate both social and economic value. Unlike traditional entrepreneurship, which primarily seeks to maximize profits, social entrepreneurship emphasizes creating a positive social impact while maintaining financial sustainability. This dual focus often involves reinvesting profits into the organization’s mission, allowing it to scale solutions for global issues such as poverty, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability. By employing market-driven strategies, social enterprises address systemic problems, making it possible to sustain their operations without relying solely on donations or government support. Recent studies suggest that integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can further enhance both social and economic outcomes by optimizing operations and improving resource allocation (Kamran et al., 2022). These technologies enable social entrepreneurs to scale their impact more efficiently, providing innovative and cost-effective solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges (Popkova & Sergi, 2020).

Social entrepreneurs are increasingly leveraging these innovative business models to address critical global challenges such as poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By applying entrepreneurial approaches to these issues, they combine market strategies with a mission to create a positive societal impact. For example, many social enterprises combat poverty by providing economic opportunities and promoting financial inclusion through microfinancing and skills development, particularly for underserved communities (Kamran et al., 2022). In education, social enterprises use technology-driven platforms to offer affordable and accessible learning solutions, bridging the educational gap in marginalized regions (Febrianto et al., 2021). In healthcare, social ventures are employing telemedicine and AI-based tools to deliver low-cost, remote health services, improving access in rural and underserved areas (Popkova & Sergi, 2020). Additionally, social enterprises and SMEs are at the forefront of developing and implementing these technologies, creating solutions for sustainable agriculture in diverse global contexts (Khan, 2019). These initiatives illustrate how social ventures, by harnessing the power of technology and innovation, are contributing to sustainable development and driving lasting social change.

Industry 4.0 in Social Entrepreneurship

Numerous studies have explored how social entrepreneurs are adopting Industry 4.0 technologies, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges these innovations bring to addressing societal issues. Technologies like IoT, AI, and machine learning offer opportunities to improve business processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs, despite adoption challenges due to limited resources (Abdul-Yekeen et al., 2024). The integration of AI and IoT in healthcare is revolutionizing personalized and remote healthcare services. AI-driven platforms analyze vast amounts of data from IoT devices, including wearables and sensors, to improve patient outcomes and support clinical decision-making (Medhekar et al., 2024). However, many studies also emphasize the barriers to adopting these technologies, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Social entrepreneurs often struggle with the high costs of technology, limited technical expertise, and infrastructure gaps, which can limit the potential of Industry 4.0 in driving social innovation. Nonetheless, the growing research suggests that these technologies hold great potential to significantly enhance the work of social enterprises in tackling complex global challenges.

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT), has been pivotal in enhancing social value across various sectors. Big data analytics, for instance, empowers social enterprises to collect and analyze extensive datasets, which significantly improves decision-making processes in critical areas such as education, agriculture, and environmental protection. This capability is underscored by the findings of Tran (2023) who emphasizes the importance of big data analytics in enabling enterprises to adapt and thrive post-COVID-19, highlighting its role in informed decision-making and strategic planning. Furthermore, the work of Bahrami and Shokouhyar (2021) illustrates that big data analytics capabilities can bolster supply chain resilience and enhance overall firm performance, thereby contributing to social enterprises’ effectiveness in addressing societal challenges.

In addition to big data, IoT technologies are instrumental in optimizing resource management, particularly in projects focused on water conservation and energy efficiency. The application of IoT in monitoring and managing resources has been noted by Lalzai, who discusses how IoT facilitates the tracking of materials and resources, thereby promoting sustainable practices (Lalzai, 2023). This aligns with the findings of Zhang et al., who argue that the integration of big data analytics and AI capabilities is crucial for the success of sustainability development projects, thereby reinforcing the notion that these technologies can significantly enhance resource management and promote sustainable development (Zhang et al., 2020).

The collective evidence suggests that the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies enables social entrepreneurs to scale their impact effectively. By leveraging big data analytics and IoT, these enterprises can make more informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately create lasting social value across diverse sectors. The research by Cappa et al. (2020) further supports this claim, indicating that the effective use of big data can lead to improved firm performance and value capture, which is essential for social enterprises aiming to maximize their impact. Thus, the integration of these technologies not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development. Table 1 shows past studies on the integration of Industry 4.0 and social entrepreneurship.

Table 1: Summary of past studies

Popkova and Sergi (2020) explored how human capital and artificial intelligence (AI) can work together to enhance social entrepreneurship in the context of Industry 4.0. They concluded that while AI can significantly improve operational efficiency, human intelligence remains essential, making full automation unlikely. Human decision-making will continue to play a crucial role in social entrepreneurship. In another study, Febrianto et al. (2021) looked at game-based entrepreneurship education for vocational students and found it to be an effective way to build social skills, which are critical for navigating the demands of entrepreneurship in Industry 4.0.

Kamran et al. (2022) underscored the new opportunities that Industry 4.0 technologies and ICT-based services bring to social entrepreneurship, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlighted how remote socialization has become a vital driver of social innovation. Similarly, Biclesanu and Dima (2021) discussed how emerging technologies are accelerating digital transformation and entrepreneurship, while Kumar et al. (2022) emphasized creativity and innovation as key factors in addressing global challenges within Industry 4.0.

However, despite these promising developments, social entrepreneurs face several challenges in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. High costs associated with the implementation of these technologies are a primary barrier, particularly for smaller enterprises that often operate with constrained budgets. Research indicates that the financial implications of adopting advanced technologies can deter social entrepreneurs from pursuing these innovations, thereby limiting their capacity to scale and enhance their social impact (Ślusarczyk, 2024). In addition to financial constraints, there exists a notable gap in technical expertise among social entrepreneurs and their teams. Many social enterprises lack the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement Industry 4.0 technologies, which can lead to unsuccessful adoption attempts and wasted resources (Cheng, 2024). This gap is especially pronounced in developing regions, where access to training and development opportunities is often limited.

Thus, there are still research gaps in understanding how these technologies can be practically implemented, especially in resource-constrained settings. More interdisciplinary research is needed to explore the long-term scalability and sustainability of Industry 4.0 technologies in social enterprises.

Opportunities at the Intersection of Industry 4.0 and Social Entrepreneurship

Industry 4.0 technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT), present a unique opportunity for social entrepreneurship by enhancing business processes, improving decision-making, and enabling greater impact. AI, for instance, can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict outcomes, allowing social entrepreneurs to optimize resource use and improve service delivery (Niesheva et al., 2023). Big data analytics enables social ventures to assess societal concerns like poverty, education, and healthcare, leading to more informed decisions. Examples of this can be seen in telemedicine platforms that use AI to provide healthcare to underserved populations, or IoT applications that monitor and manage natural resources for environmental sustainability. These tools not only save time but also maximize the potential reach and impact of social enterprises, allowing initiatives to scale and benefit more individuals. Looking ahead, Industry 4.0 technologies could drive significant progress in areas like smart city solutions, where these innovations can support sustainable and socially beneficial urban development. Additionally, the use of AI and IoT in education and disaster management holds promise for strengthening social resilience through predictive analytics and adaptive systems (Adepoju et al, 2023).

Big data analytics further enhances the capabilities of social enterprises by providing deep insights into critical social issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare. This data-driven approach empowers social entrepreneurs to make more informed decisions and tailor their interventions to address the specific needs of the communities they serve. For example, in education, AI-powered learning platforms can customize educational content for students in low-income areas, leading to significant improvements in learning outcomes (Febrianto et al., 2021). Similarly, IoT technology is being used to monitor environmental projects, helping to track resource use and ensure the sustainable management of ecosystems. These advancements equip social entrepreneurs with the tools to develop more impactful, scalable solutions that address pressing global challenges (Kamran et al., 2022).

Looking ahead, Industry 4.0 technologies have the potential to revolutionize sectors like smart cities, where innovations such as AI and IoT can foster sustainable urban development. Smart city solutions use real-time data to optimize energy consumption, transportation systems, and infrastructure, contributing to more sustainable and socially beneficial urban environments. Furthermore, the integration of AI and IoT in disaster management can enhance social resilience by improving predictive analytics and enabling more responsive, adaptive systems to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. By leveraging these technologies, social entrepreneurs can not only enhance their operational efficiency but also promote long-term, sustainable development across a range of sectors (Akdeniz & Korkmaz, 2023).

CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS

Despite the vast potential of Industry 4.0 technologies, social entrepreneurs encounter numerous challenges in their adoption. One major hurdle is the financial investment required to acquire advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which can be prohibitively expensive, particularly for smaller and emerging social enterprises. Niesheva et al. (2023) emphasize that newly established ventures often struggle with limited resources and inadequate financial support, which hinders their ability to engage in corporate social responsibility and adopt advanced technologies.

Moreover, maintaining and upgrading these technologies demands ongoing capital, which can be difficult to secure. This challenge is compounded by the significant gaps in technical skills among social entrepreneurs, particularly in developing regions where access to education and training in advanced technologies is limited. Adepoju et al. (2023) highlight the critical need for technical competencies in the context of Industry 4.0, noting that many professionals lack the necessary skills to leverage these technologies effectively.

Another challenge is the lack of supportive policies. In many countries, governments have yet to establish clear regulations that facilitate the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into social ventures, creating uncertainty around compliance and legal frameworks. This regulatory ambiguity can deter social entrepreneurs from investing in new technologies, as noted by Vikas and Mathur (Zhang et al., 2022), who discuss the importance of supportive government policies in fostering an environment conducive to social entrepreneurship.

In summary, while Industry 4.0 technologies offer significant opportunities for social entrepreneurship, financial constraints, skill gaps, and regulatory challenges must be addressed to enable effective adoption and maximize social impact.

CASE STUDIES AND EMPIRICAL FINDINGS

Several case studies highlight how Industry 4.0 technologies have been successfully integrated into social entrepreneurship, illustrating their potential to amplify social impact. One compelling example is the use of AI-driven telemedicine platforms in rural healthcare. In India, AI-powered diagnostic tools have enabled healthcare providers to offer remote consultations and early diagnoses to underserved communities, improving both access to care and patient outcomes (Popkova & Sergi, 2020). Similarly, in Kenya, IoT technology has been deployed in environmental conservation efforts. For instance, Jones et al. (2015) discuss the potential applications of wireless sensor networks for wildlife trapping and monitoring programs, emphasizing how these technologies can provide precise spatial and temporal data that enhance conservation efforts. In the education sector, big data analytics has been successfully employed in personalized learning platforms. For instance, adaptive learning systems in South Africa use big data to tailor educational content to individual students’ needs, significantly improving learning outcomes and engagement (Febrianto et al, 2021). These examples show how Industry 4.0 technologies can scale the impact of social enterprises across different sectors.

Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI, IoT, and big data, have also made a notable impact on sectors such as healthcare and environmental sustainability. In healthcare, AI is transforming patient care with predictive diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and telemedicine solutions. These tools help detect diseases early, assist in surgical planning, and remotely manage chronic conditions, improving access and the quality of care, especially in underserved areas (Popkova & Sergi, 2020). In environmental sustainability, IoT devices have been crucial in monitoring natural resources in real-time, tracking air and water quality, soil conditions, and wildlife activity. This real-time data allows organizations to detect environmental changes swiftly and take preventive actions, playing a vital role in conservation and resource management efforts (Niesheva et al., 2023). Overall, these technologies not only enhance operational efficiency but also offer scalable solutions to critical global challenges in healthcare and environmental conservation.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND RESEARCH GAPS

Identifying Gaps in the Current Literature

While there is a growing body of literature on Industry 4.0 and social entrepreneurship, significant gaps remain, particularly in the practical application of advanced technologies in resource-constrained settings. Many studies highlight the potential of tools like AI, big data, and IoT, but there is a lack of empirical research on how social entrepreneurs in developing regions are actually implementing these technologies, where limited infrastructure and technical expertise pose significant. Additionally, there is little analysis on the long-term sustainability and scalability of these technologies within the social entrepreneurship space, especially when it comes to ensuring that these tools remain cost-effective and accessible to those who need them most.

Proposed Areas for Future Research

Future research should take an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together insights from business, technology, and social innovation to better understand how Industry 4.0 can be harnessed for social impact. There is a need for studies that explore how these technologies can be adapted to meet the specific challenges of social enterprises, particularly in underserved communities. Furthermore, research should investigate the role of policy in supporting the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies by social entrepreneurs. Well-defined regulatory frameworks that promote innovation while ensuring data privacy, job protection, and equitable access to technology will be crucial for scaling these solutions globally.

Recommendations for Social Entrepreneurs

To successfully adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, social entrepreneurs should consider a few key strategies. First, building partnerships with technology providers and academic institutions can help close the technical skills gap by offering training and resources. Second, opting for affordable, scalable solutions like cloud-based services can help alleviate the financial pressures of implementing advanced technologies. Lastly, social entrepreneurs should actively participate in policy advocacy to help shape regulations that support technological innovation while safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations. By taking these steps, social entrepreneurs can fully leverage Industry 4.0 to drive meaningful social change.

CONCLUSION

Key Insights from the Literature Review

The literature on Industry 4.0 and social entrepreneurship highlights the transformative potential of advanced technologies like AI, big data, and IoT in enhancing the scalability, efficiency, and impact of social enterprises. While these technologies are reshaping traditional industries, social ventures often face distinct challenges in adopting them, especially due to financial limitations and a lack of technical expertise. Additionally, there are gaps in empirical research regarding the long-term sustainability and practical application of these technologies in underserved regions, where infrastructure remains weak.

The Potential of Industry 4.0 to Revolutionize Social Entrepreneurship

Industry 4.0 has the potential to dramatically reshape social entrepreneurship by equipping social ventures with advanced tools to tackle complex societal issues more efficiently. Technologies like AI can improve predictive models in healthcare and education, enabling more personalized and proactive solutions. At the same time, IoT devices allow for real-time monitoring of environmental sustainability projects, helping organizations track and manage resources more effectively. By leveraging these technologies, social enterprises can expand their reach, optimize the use of resources, and enhance their overall impact. The combination of data-driven insights and real-time responsiveness offered by Industry 4.0 can fundamentally change how social entrepreneurs approach problem-solving, resulting in more scalable and sustainable solutions.

Theoretical Implications

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies in social entrepreneurship brings new dimensions to existing theoretical frameworks, particularly in innovation adoption, resource mobilization, and social impact. Theoretically, this intersection suggests a paradigm shift where social entrepreneurship extends beyond traditional resource limitations, driven by advanced data-driven decision-making and real-time responsiveness. Models of social entrepreneurship must now account for digital transformation, as technologies like AI, IoT, and big data analytics redefine scalability, efficiency, and impact. This transformation suggests that social enterprises, when equipped with Industry 4.0 tools, could potentially overcome the constraints often associated with mission-driven businesses, broadening the scope for sustainable social impact.

Further, the theoretical landscape is expanding to include resilience and adaptability as core elements in social venture frameworks. Industry 4.0 tools allow social enterprises to operate adaptively, responding to evolving community needs with flexibility. Future theoretical research could explore the implications of this agility on social innovation, specifically in how digital technologies impact the resilience and longevity of social ventures in varying economic and regulatory environments.

Practical Implications

Practically, the application of Industry 4.0 technologies in social enterprises can revolutionize how social missions are achieved, especially in resource-limited regions. AI and big data analytics, for instance, offer practical tools for targeting interventions, enabling social enterprises to allocate resources precisely where they are needed most, reducing operational waste, and maximizing impact. IoT devices also allow real-time tracking and data gathering, which is especially beneficial for projects in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and education, where timely insights are crucial.

However, social entrepreneurs must navigate challenges such as high initial costs, the need for technical expertise, and occasionally inadequate infrastructure. Policy recommendations to foster technology adoption, including subsidizing tech access and investing in digital skills training, could alleviate these barriers. By addressing these issues, stakeholders, including policymakers and tech providers, can help social enterprises achieve greater effectiveness and sustainable social impact, thus fulfilling Industry 4.0’s promise within the social entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Further Research and Collaboration

To fully unlock the potential of Industry 4.0, further research and collaborative efforts are crucial. Cross-disciplinary studies that bring together technology developers, policymakers, and social entrepreneurs are necessary to address challenges such as the high costs of implementation and the skills gaps that limit adoption. Policymakers must also create a supportive environment with clear regulations that encourage innovation while ensuring data privacy and protecting vulnerable communities. By fostering these collaborations, social entrepreneurs will gain better access to the tools and expertise they need to effectively integrate Industry 4.0 technologies and drive meaningful social change.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors would like to sincerely thank the Kedah State Research Committee and UiTM Kedah Branch for their generous funding through the Tabung Penyelidikan Am. This support was instrumental in enabling the research and contributing to the successful publication of this article.

REFERENCES

1. Abdul-Yekeen, A.M., Rasaq, O., Ayinla, M.A., Sikiru, A., Kujore, V., & Agboola, T.O. (2024). Utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Vehicle Telematics for Sustainable Growth in Small and Medium Firms (SMEs). Journal of Artificial Intelligence General science (JAIGS) ISSN:3006-4023.
2. Adepoju, O., Akinyomi, O., & Esan, O. (2023). Integrating human-computer interactions in nigerian energy system: a skills requirement analysis. Journal of Digital Food, Energy &Amp; Water Systems, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.36615/digital_food_energy_water_systems.v4i2.2933
3. Akdeniz, A. and Korkmaz, M. (2023). The relationship between the decision-making styles and social entrepreneurship of science and art center principals’. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, (55), 231-249. https://doi.org/10.53444/deubefd.1221022
4. Biclesanu, I., & Dima, A. (2021). Entrepreneurship in the digital and industry 4.0 age: A semi-systematic literature review. Journal of Business Research, 129, 85-92.
5. Chen, J., Yuan, Y., Ziabari, A.K., Xu, X., Zhang, H., Christakopoulos, P., Bonnesen, P.V., Ivanov, I.N., Ganesh, P., Wang, C., Jaimes, K.P., Yang, G., Kumar, R., Sumpter, B.G., & Advíncula, R.C. (2024). AI for Manufacturing and Healthcare: a chemistry and engineering perspective.
6. Cheng, M., Liu, G., Xu, Y., & Chi, M. (2024). What hinders internet of things (iot) adoption in the chinese construction industry: a mixed-method. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 30(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2024.19961
7. Febrianto, I., Kusdiyanti, H., & Tsong, C. K. (2021). Game-based entrepreneurship learning for vocational high school students in facing industry 4.0. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 73(2), 217-232.
8. Gutterman, A.S. (2022). Social Entrepreneurship. SSRN Electronic Journal.
9. González-Sarmiento, E., Roa-Perez, J., & Ortiz-Ospino, L. (2021). Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in the Development of Industry 4.0; A Bibliometric Analysis. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1154.
10. Helmold, M., & Terry, B. (2021). Industry 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
11. Husainy, A.S. (2023). A Review on Advances in the Robotics and Automation in Industry 4.0. Journal of Advanced Research in Production and Industrial Engineering.
12. Jones, C. J., Warburton, B., Carver, J., & Carver, D. (2015). Potential applications of wireless sensor networks for wildlife trapping and monitoring programs. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 39(2), 341-348. https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.543
13. Kamran, S., Khaskhely, M., Nassani, A., Haffar, M., & Abro, M. M. Q. (2022). Social entrepreneurship opportunities via distant socialization and social value creation. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, 8(1), 45-59.
14. Khan, T. (2019). Internet of Things: The Potentialities for Sustainable Agriculture. World Sustainability Series.
15. Kumar, R., Sindhwani, R., Tewary, T., & Davim, J. P. (2022). Principles of entrepreneurship in the industry 4.0 era. CRC Press.
16. Manikanawar, S., Kulkarni, V.N., Gaitonde, V.N., Satish, G.J., & Kotturshettar, B.B. (2021). A state-of-the-art review on industry 4.0 and related key technologies. Seventh International Symposium on Negative Ions, Beams and Sources (Nibs 2020).
17. Medhekar, A., Duggal, M., Singh, S.K., & Nayadkar, P.P. (2024). Healthcare and internet of things: The future of artificial intelligence and IoT technology. Oral Oncology Reports.
18. Niesheva, A., Smolennikov, D., & Kostyuchenko, N. (2023). City infrastructure management based on sustainable development goals and industry 4.0 principles. Economic Scope. https://doi.org/10.32782/2224-6282/187-26
19. Popkova, E., & Sergi, B. (2020). Human capital and AI in industry 4.0: Convergence and divergence in social entrepreneurship in Russia. Springer.
20. Prause, G.K. (2015). Sustainable business models and structures for industry 4.0. Journal of Security and Sustainability Issues, 5, 159-169.
21. Ratten, V. (2013). Social e-entrepreneurship and technological innovations: the role of online communities, mobile communication and social networks. International Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2, 476.
22. Redko, K. (2023). Empathy In Technology: Ai And Social Entrepreneurship for Poverty Eradication. Efektyvna ekonomika.
23. Rotz, D., Maxwell, N.L., & Dunn, A.G. (2015). Economic Self-Sufficiency and Life Stability One Year After Starting a Social Enterprise Job. Mathematica Policy Research Reports.
24. Rupp, W.T. (2020). Artificial Intelligence: A Diffusion of Innovation View of the Manufacturing and Health-care Industries.
25. Ślusarczyk, B. and Wiśniewska, J. (2024). Barriers and the potential for changes and benefits from the implementation of industry 4.0 solutions in enterprises. Production Engineering Archives, 30(2), 145-154. https://doi.org/10.30657/pea.2024.30.14
26. Tran, N. H. (2023). Vietnamese enterprises’ considerations of big data and analytics implementation post-covid-19 pandemic. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, 32(1), 95-107. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijoa-12-2022-3545
27. Zhang, P., Wang, J., Li, M., & Xiao, F. (2022). Research on the mechanism of information infrastructure affecting industrial structure upgrading. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-24507-9