Abstract
While Industry 4.0 can open new business models by fulfilling vastly individualized customer requests, the design and implementation of value creation networks is challenging: the role of the focal firm as principal coordinator becomes increasingly decentralized, interface standards are missing, and big data analysis for the necessary real-time coordination bears algorithmic challenges. This paper presents results of a longitudinal meta-study on development and current state of Industry 4.0 in the German manufacturing industries. The author derives lessons learned and best practices for designing and implementing value creation networks in Industry 4.0 settings.