SME’s versus “Industry 4.0”: extended case study based on results of initial research in Polish conditions

In this paper the author tries to present and analyze some results of his researches focused on surveying the expectations and needs as well as troubles and difficulties concerned with confronting small and medium size enterprises (SME’s) with various challenges generated by the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). After presenting in the first part of the paper a listing and some subjective discussion of general as well as particular problems of implementing the Industry 4.0 approach in practice of the contemporary industry, in next chapters the adopted assumptions as well as obtained results of the SME’s oriented survey are introduced together with a short presentation and discussion of used methods and tools of research. The cases of Polish SME’s are illustrated by results of investigating a limited group of firms, which fulfil SME criteria and are located and operating in Metropolis GZM (Silesian Voivodeship, Poland). In the last part of the papers the author summarizes obtained results and proposes some next steps of further research.