Standardization of data exchange protocols and compatibility of automation systems as a factor in increasing industrial competitiveness and developing an innovation ecosystem

Abstract

The article analyzes the impact of standardizing data exchange protocols and improving the interoperability of automation systems on the competitiveness of industrial enterprises and the development of the innovation ecosystem. The purpose of the study is to provide a quantitative assessment of the relationship between the level of interoperability readiness, the structure of integration costs, the efficiency indicators of capital utilization, and the market valuation of companies across various industries and regions. The empirical basis consists of the financial statements of 482 industrial companies, industry and market databases, as well as survey results from technical and financial executives of large holdings; in addition, international standards specifications and analytical reports of relevant associations were used. To measure the degree of standardization, a composite interoperability index (IRI) is proposed, including twelve parameters characterizing the share of equipment supporting open protocols, the degree of IT/OT integration, and the volume of expenditures on middleware solutions. The mathematical processing of data was carried out using methods of multivariate regression, functional cost analysis, and graph theory, while competitiveness was evaluated using the modified Tobin’s Q and EV/EBITDA multipliers. It is shown that the transition from proprietary protocols to OPC UA, MQTT, and related standards leads to a multiple reduction in integration costs, a decrease in the total cost of ownership of the IT and OT landscape over a 5–7 year horizon, and an increase in return on invested capital in most industry segments. A stable positive relationship was identified between the level of interoperability, revenue growth rates, and market share dynamics, especially in highly competitive industries with short product life cycles, as well as a valuation premium for companies adopting open standards compared to isolated solutions. It is demonstrated that standardization reduces transaction costs of cooperation within supply chains, accelerates the diffusion of innovations, and facilitates the attraction of venture capital into regional industrial ecosystems. It is concluded that the standardization of data exchange protocols serves as a key factor in enhancing macro- and micro-level competitiveness, reduces the hidden tax of digital infrastructure fragmentation, and should be considered an important tool of industrial and innovation policy.