METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PRODUCTION
Abstract
The article examines the economic aspects of implementing additive manufacturing technologies in the context of the digital transformation of production systems. Additive manufacturing is considered one of the key technological innovations of the fourth industrial revolution, enabling new approaches to product design, manufacturing processes and supply chain organization. The study aims to develop methodological approaches for assessing the economic efficiency of additive technologies and to systematize the key indicators that determine their effectiveness in industrial and construction sectors. The research methodology combines approaches from innovation economics, investment analysis and production system analysis. The study applies cost–benefit analysis, comparative techno-economic assessment and investment evaluation tools such as Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). The results show that additive manufacturing technologies contribute to reducing material consumption, shortening production cycles and increasing production flexibility. Their diffusion also promotes product customization and encourages localized and distributed production models, particularly in the construction industry through the use of 3D printing technologies. The study systematizes methodological approaches to evaluating the economic efficiency of additive technologies and proposes an integrated analytical framework that combines operational, investment and strategic levels of analysis. The results may be used to assess the economic feasibility of implementing additive technologies at industrial and construction enterprises and to support strategies of technological modernization and digital transformation. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of institutional support and policy incentives in accelerating the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies. The research also identifies potential risks and limitations associated with their implementation, including high initial investment costs and the need for skilled personnel.
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