Chasing up the value-added by implementing newest trends of Industry 4.0 – Evidence from Slovak automotive industry

Abstract: The main purpose of the paper is the identification of Industry 4.0 (I4) in a selected sector of the Slovak economy with emphasis on a single case study in the company PSA, which is a key player in the market in the analysed automotive sector.. In the paper, three research questions are determined together with the methods through which the analysis is carried out, mainly the method of exploration, explanation and description using the secondary data, financial and annual reports published by the PSA and Slovak authorities. The crucial finding of the paper is the presentation of opportunities for value-added growth and a specific case study of PSA Group Slovakia and its application of the Industry 4.0 concept as a driving force for value-added growth in car exports. Based on the research outputs, the proposals and recommendations are proposed as a series of steps and recommendations for the Slovak Republic with the intention of becoming an innovative country.