## 4 Primary Findings
### Holistic Analysis of Findings
#### 4.1.2 4.0 Implementation  
In the \"I4.0 implementation\" category, I4.0 users indicated the number of implemented projects related to I4.0. In addition, 60% of the user companies implemented three or more projects, and 30% implemented only 1-2 projects (Figure 3). Ten percent of users have not implemented any projects yet. Moreover, I4.0 providers and experts described the digitization level of client companies. All providers and experts stated that the digitization of companies in Kazakhstan, in general, is at a low level. Additionally, interviewees reported that the coronavirus lockdown left a twofold effect on the speed of implementation of the I4.0 project. For some businesses, this critical situation accelerated the development of the I4.0 project due to the increased need for optimization and means to develop competitive products. Unfortunately, other companies have frozen their transformations because of the financial crisis and lack of funds.  
Despite the low I4.0 awareness in Kazakhstan, 60% of users implemented more than three projects applying I4.0 technologies. However, these projects vary in directions, involving technologies and the complexity of systems. Projects of large enterprises are related mostly to 3D modeling, IoT, and big data. Additionally, some users shared their plans to enhance the existing I4.0 related projects (Q1). However, most of the companies implement their project only \"on paper\":  
Most organizations just implement digitalization or some I4.0 tools for the sake of digitalization, without understanding what real benefits it can bring. (Intervie-wee 01)  
It is no wonder that these projects fail. Analysis of the situation in Kazakhstan combined with the interview findings revealed other reasons why I4.0 projects fail. The first is the low I4.0 awareness level among executive management and decision-makers. Therefore, attempts to implement I4.0 technologies without the required knowledge do fail (Q2). Further analysis raised cultural issues, namely the absence of technological culture in organizations. Several interviewees stated that the culture of introducing changes should be continuously developed (Q3). It will reduce the fear of uncertainty among employees.  
Employees might be another problem when implementing I4.0 projects [39]. Employees should receive proper training and instructions. Otherwise, they might misunderstand the idea or refuse to accept it (Q4). Another possible issue is the lack of communication.  
Figure 3: Industry 4.0 implementation level in Kazakhstan companies.  
This factor is among the most common obstacles for I4.0 projects and remains relevant for companies regardless of their geography, industry, and maturity [4; 42].  
Big companies have systems and programs. However, the programs do not come together to enhance data information, decision-making. Seventy percent fail because of people. All individuals have their perspective and articulation form of value to make these things happen. Thus, you need people to cooperate. (Interviewee 02)  
Furthermore, a high bureaucracy level and inflexibility of governmental regulations might be an obstacle for completed projects and freeze them for an uncertain time (Q5).