Potential COVID-19 impacts on the transition to Industry 4.0 in the Brazilian manufacturing sector

Purpose The purpose of this viewpoint is to present some reflections about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacts on the transition to Industry 4.0 in the Brazilian manufacturing sector context. Design/methodology/approach Initially, a bibliographic research study was carried out to establish a theoretical background and contextualization. After analysing different kinds of documents, the authors of this viewpoint discussed potential COVID-19 impacts on the transition to Industry 4.0 in the Brazilian manufacturing sector. A multidisciplinary discursive approach was used in the debates. Findings The COVID-19 pandemic will negatively influence the transition of Brazilian manufacturing sector to Industry 4.0. Despite the fact that some “World Class Companies” based in Brazil still continue the transition process towards the “Digital Revolution”, most of Brazilian manufacturing companies are postponing important initiatives related to Industry 4.0 due to uncertainties. In addition, policies promoting innovation are increasingly necessary. Practical implications This viewpoint presents interesting implications for researchers and society. Researchers can use these reflections to structure surveys or case studies to better understand the aforementioned impacts on companies due to the pandemic. These reflections can also be used by society for public policy debates. For companies, the information presented highlights the relevance of Industry 4.0 as an important phenomenon to manufacturing sector and companies' competitiveness. Originality/value This viewpoint presents reflections which may be used to encourage debates about how to manage digital transformation in the manufacturing sector during an unstable environment.