## 5 Discussion of Results  
Based on the results from the literature review and findings from stakeholders, SWOT analyses were performed. During the literature review, the existence of various state programs such as \"Digital Kazakhstan\", and the related big number of projects were identified. As a part of the program, and to increase the digitization level, companies were obliged to implement several tools, which help to optimize resources, increase the transparency of processes, etc. However, due to the lack of knowledge by top management and employees, most of the tools were implemented in order to avoid legal issues, and are not used properly in organizations. Therefore, the efficiency of such programs is questionable; in addition, the urgent need for proper instructions/explanatory work about I4.0, digitalization, its tools, and benefits are required. All of these points combined with primary findings are reflected in the SWOT table. SWOT analysis includes significant implementation factors and accounts for the business environment in Kazakhstan (Table 5). \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline  & **Large Enterprises (\(n\) = 6)** & **SMEs (\(n\) = 9)** \\ \hline \multicolumn{3}{c}{1. I4.0 awareness} \\ \hline Generally low & 17\% & 44\% \\ \hline Mixed & 83\% & 33\% \\ \hline Generally good & 0\% & 22\% \\ \hline \multicolumn{3}{c}{3. Critical factors for I4.0 implementation} \\ \hline Technical & 33\% & 44\% \\ \hline Government & 67\% & 22\% \\ \hline Human & 83\% & 78\% \\ \hline Financial & 17\% & 44\% \\ \hline Cultural & 67\% & 67\% \\ \hline \multicolumn{3}{c}{5. Established partnerships} \\ \hline No international & 0\% & 11\% \\ collaborations & 33\% & 33\% \\ \hline Active international & 67\% & 56\% \\ collaborations & 6. Impact of I4.0 & \\ \hline Not measured & 0\% & 22\% \\ \hline Low effect & 17\% & 0\% \\ \hline Probable improvements in the & 17\% & 22\% \\ long run & 67\% & 56\% \\ \hline Clearly improved & 67\% & 56\% \\ performance & 6.2. I4.0 implementation level (for user companies) \\ \hline \multicolumn{3}{c}{Large I4.0 user enterprises (\(n\)} \\ \multicolumn{3}{c}{} \\ \multicolumn{3}  
Making a comparison of the aspects identified for Kazakhstan with other countries, it is clear that most of the issues are related to each other, however, except some specific country-related issues. For example, the authors in [10; 39], identified that issues such as high investment costs along with a not clear understanding of the benefits from I4.0 take place in India and, in general, in the construction industry. Moreover, the authors in [39; 71] identified issues in lack of integration in horizontal and vertical chains, as well as barriers with disruption of existing jobs, which is also true for Kazakhstan. Another research work by [72] shows that Chinese participants of the survey expect fewer jobs, while participants from Germany in comparison do not have such negative results. In the research by [73], a lack of digital vision was presented as the most affecting barrier, which impacts the rest of the barriers. This research shows issues like lack of strategy and well organization, lack of digital skills, issues with legal frameworks, lack of knowledge about I4.0, etc. Summarizing the findings presented in the literature review, as well as those identified in the study, recommendations for both the government and businesses are provided, since it is proven that every part of the ecosystem has a significant role in the I4.0 transformation. **Recommendations to the Government**:  
1. The feasibility of the enterprise support programs should be improved. Interviewees reported that the actual impact from such programs is insignificant. Moreover, the competency of program developers should be raised. The results show that digitalization programs do not reflect the real needs of enterprises. Thus, the actual condition of Kazakhstan enterprises should be well investigated;
2. Increase possibilities for the R&D development in the country (grants, competitions, scholarships, etc.)