Employee Engagement in Smart Factories: Research Gaps and a Nomological Framework for the Sri Lankan Apparel Sector

The main objectives of this article are to identify research gaps on Smart Factory context and employee engagement in apparel manufacturing and to develop an integrated nomological framework. A systematic literature review (SLR) strategy was used to achieve these objectives. The literature survey was conducted using databases including Scopus, Taylor it sheds new light on the human-centered dimensions of Smart Factory Context by injecting theoretical perspectives such as the Technology Acceptance Model, Job Demands–Resources model, Social Exchange Theory and the Resource-Based View. This study contributes to the literature on Smart Factories and employee engagement, as it addresses previously unexplored relationships among training, workplace support and operational efficiency. Further, it offers valuable insights to managers and policymakers in the apparel industry, aligning Smart Factory practices with employee engagement to ensure sustainable competitiveness.