Analysing hindrances to digital disruption with a focus on cleaner cloud manufacturing

Purpose This study aims to identify and analyse critical barriers to cloud manufacturing (CM) adoption for achieving sustainability amongst manufacturing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach Initially, through a literature survey and expert inputs, this study identified and finalized 21 critical barriers to CM adoption, which were further analysed by employing a hybrid multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. In this approach, the best–worst method (BWM) was used to rank the identified barriers. However, to analyse the interrelation amongst these barriers and classify them into the cause-effect group, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was employed. Furthermore, the study recommended various strategies that can help overcome high-priority barriers and enhance CM adoption within firms. Findings The results of the study show that organizational, legal and economic barriers are the high-priority barriers that need to be addressed to enhance CM adoption. Practical implications The findings of the study will help managers and decision-makers in manufacturing MSMEs develop effective strategies and policies to enhance CM adoption. Originality/value Notably, this investigation is one of the preliminary research activities to explore the sustainability aspect of CM adoption amongst MSMEs in an emerging economy.