Ecosystem Drivers of Digital Spare Parts Adoption: Evidence from an SEM Study in UAE Industries

Abstract

Spare parts management is a persistent operational challenge, often constrained by long lead times, high inventory costs, and frequent supply chain disruptions. Digital spare parts (DSP), enabled by additive manufacturing and digital technologies, provide a promising alternative through localized production and demand-driven supply. Yet, successful DSP adoption requires more than technological readiness; it depends on a systemic understanding of the ecosystem of enablers that shape both economic and operational viability. This study develops and empirically validates a structural model of DSP ecosystem readiness in the United Arab Emirates, an emerging economy pursuing industrial diversification. Data were collected from 162 industry professionals across energy, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and aerospace sectors. Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study examines the interdependencies among 13 critical ecosystem factors. Findings show that infrastructure readiness, cost management, vendor support, customization capability, and quality assurance significantly and positively influence DSP adoption. In contrast, material availability, scalability, and industry readiness demonstrate counterintuitive negative effects, while sustainability and risk management exhibit no significant direct impacts. The results highlight the complex interplay of economic and operational drivers, providing an empirically grounded framework for understanding DSP ecosystem readiness and offering analytical insights for researchers and industry practitioners.