The impact of Industry 4.0 capabilities on operational performance: the mediating effect of supply chain ambidexterity

Purpose The current work sought to investigate the mediating effect of supply chain ambidexterity on the relationship between Industry 4.0 capabilities and operational performance of manufacturing firms in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach Data collection was carried out through a survey with 253 respondents from manufacturing firms in Jordan through the first quarter in 2023. The quantitative approach and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied to analyze the collected data. Dynamic capabilities view (DCV) theory was the adopted theoretical lens for this work. Findings The results demonstrated that Industry 4.0 capabilities positively and significantly affect exploration, exploitation and operational performance. In addition, the results confirmed that exploration and exploitation positively and significantly affect operational performance. Further, it is also found that exploration and exploitation in the supply chain positively and significantly mediate the relationship between Industry 4.0 capabilities and operational performance. Originality/value This study focuses on this gap to deepen the understanding of operational performance in a recent manufacturing environment under various factors and perspectives (Industry 4.0 capabilities and supply chain ambidexterity).