A mixed-methods investigation of stage-specific drivers for smart manufacturing adoption in Taiwanese SMEs operating in Vietnam as a case study

This study investigates the determinants influencing Taiwanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam to adopt smart manufacturing systems by applying a mixed methods research (MMR) approach and an integrated three-stage framework across pre-adoption, implementation, and post-adoption phases. Employing a mixed-methods design, the quantitative phase of this approach applies the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to evaluate 27 expert-validated factors. The empirical results reveal that post-adoption outcomes hold the highest priority (58.9%), followed by implementation (23.4%) and pre-adoption evaluation (17.6%). Key determinants such as human–machine integration, system solution capability, and flexible production highlight the critical role of organisational support and talent development. Within the qualitative phase, two complementary case studies – a textile dyeing digitalisation project and an automated helmet painting system – validate these priorities, demonstrating that operational efficiency, defect reduction, and manager-integrator involvement are critical to cross-border adoption success. Ultimately, this paper provides an empirical, stage-based framework for smart manufacturing diffusion in emerging markets and offers vital strategic guidance for international technology solution providers entering the Vietnamese market.