Systems Thinking and Innovation in Industry 4.0:The Case of Smart Appliances in Cuenca

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of systems thinking on the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in Cuenca, Ecuador, between 2018 and 2023, with a particular focus on induction cookers and smart refrigerators. The main objective is to assess how these innovations influence business management and sustainable development, through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates social, economic, environmental, and organizational dimensions. Key stakeholders—manufacturers, distributors, consumers, energy providers, and governments—were identified, whose interactions are critical to the success of industrial transformation. The study also examines economic, educational, and social barriers, along with enabling factors such as public policies, inter-institutional collaboration, and access to financing. The findings reveal that although smart technologies have strong potential to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, their adoption remains constrained by structural inequalities and a lack of strategic communication. The study concludes that effective implementation of these innovations requires not only technical advances, but also a systemic vision that fosters equity, inclusive participation, and the development of strategies tailored to the local context. This research offers practical recommendations for public policy and business decision-making aimed at fostering sustainability in developing countries.