Purpose The study investigates the talent development factors and their interactions in developing competencies essential for Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in Indian manufacturing sector. It guides in targeted interventions for competency building among employees, which further enhances organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach Using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique, this study analysed interactions of talent development factors for I4.0. Inputs from a panel of industry experts were taken to understand and visualize cause–effect relationships among these factors. Findings Transformational leadership and supportive HR practices emerged as primary drivers which enable the interaction of learning-agility-mentoring that aid in developing talent and fostering employee competencies for I4.0. Developed employee competencies contribute to a robust talent development ecosystem and improving organizational performance. Research limitations/implications The study’s focus on the Indian manufacturing sector may limit its generalizability to other sectors or regions. Practical implications Industry leaders and policymakers can leverage these insights to prioritize and design effective and actionable talent development strategies to equip the workforce to navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0, ultimately enhancing organizational performance and sustaining competitiveness. Originality/value This research contributes to understanding talent development in the Indian manufacturing sector through a novel application of the DEMATEL method, to address the competency gaps for I4.0.
Marlapudi et al. (2026) studied this question.