Net zero sustainable supply chains can be achieved through Industry 4.0, Circular Economy, and stakeholder engagement, with the support of knowledge-building, infrastructure development, and training.
Authors
Asmae El Jaouhari, Laboratory of Technologies and Industrial Services, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Higher School of Technology, Fez, Morocco
Ashutosh Samadhiya, Assistant Professor, Jindal Global Business School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India
Fatima Zahra Benbrahim, Management Sciences of Organizations Laboratory, National School of Commerce and Management, Ibn Tofaïl University, Kenitra, Morocco
Anil Kumar, Guildhall School of Business and Law, London Metropolitan University, London, UK; Department of Management Studies, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Sunil Luthra, Training and Learning Bureau, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Delhi, India
Summary
Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Circular Economy (CE) are emerging in academic, managerial, and policy debates, leading to integrating sustainable supply chain and net zero paradigms as an important phenomenon for maintaining competitive advantages in business.
Although CE and I4.0 have significant benefits, their integration is largely untapped, representing a significant opportunity to integrate technological advancements with sustainable practices. Hence, this study investigates how CE and I4.0 can be integrated to achieve net zero in a knowledge-based sustainable supply chain. As part of this objective, the paper conducts an exploratory systematic review of selected articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Three main categories are identified from the selected articles: (i) CE principles and I4.0 technologies integration, (ii) the role of CE-I4.0 nexus in a sustainable supply chain (iii) leveraging CE-4.0 integration for net zero sustainable supply chains.
We propose a multi-perspective framework to analyze the net zero sustainable supply chain implementation level using I4.0, CE, and stakeholders’ perspectives. A recommendation from this study suggests increased attention from sustainable supply chain stakeholders on developing infrastructure, including knowledge-building development and training processes focused on net zero. By utilizing our improved knowledge of I4.0 and CE, the results of the study will help researchers, businesses, and policymakers to develop an effective and integrated strategic approach to foster a net zero sustainable supply chain.
Published in: Computers & Industrial Engineering
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