Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology users’ adoption in Jiangsu Province’s manufacturing sector, with a particular focus on the mediating role of government intervention. Integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Task-Technology Fit (TTF) frameworks, the study analyzed survey responses from 403 manufacturing professionals using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and PROCESS mediation analysis. Results reveal that performance expectancy is the strongest direct predictor of adoption. While effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and technology compatibility do not influence adoption directly, their effects are significantly mediated by government intervention. Social influence strongly predicts perceptions of government support but does not directly affect adoption. These findings underscore the need for performance-driven digital strategies and context-sensitive policy mechanisms to support I4.0 transformation in emerging industrial ecosystems.

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