Theoretical Perspectives on Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Digital Transformation: A Literature Review and a Conceptual Framework

Abstract

In an era where environmental and social pressures on companies are increasing, sustainable supply chain management is essential for the efficient operation and survivability of the organizations (members of the chain). Digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies could support the development of sustainable strategies, as they support supply chain processes, decrease operational costs, enable control and monitoring of operations and support green practices. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between sustainable supply chain management and digital transformation through the adoption of specific technologies (Blockchain technology, big data analytics, internet of things). It aims at theory building and the development of a conceptual framework, enabling the explanation of under which circumstances the above combination could lead to the development of sustainable performances. It also aims to examine how companies can increase their competitive advantage and/or increase their business performance, contributing both to academics and practitioners. After conducting a literature review analysis, a significant gap was detected. There are a few studies providing theoretical approaches to examining all three pillars of sustainability, while at the same time analyzing the impact of big data analytics, internet of things and blockchain technology on the development of sustainable supply chains. Aiming to address this gap, this paper primarily conducts a literature review, identifies definitions and theories used to explain the different pillars of flexibility, and examines the effect of different technologies. It then develops a theoretical conceptual framework, which could enable both academics and practitioners to examine the impact of the adoption of different technologies on sustainable supply chain management. The findings of this research reveal that digital transformation plays an important role to companies, as the combination of different technologies may lead to the development of significant capabilities, increasing sustainable performances and enabling the development of sustainable strategies, which can improve companies’ position in the market.

Identifying the pathways through digital transformation to achieve supply chain resilience: an fsQCA approach

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Sustainable Performance through Digital Supply Chains in Industry 4.0 Era: Amidst the Pandemic Experience

“…Additionally, recent studies suggest that I4TEs can enhance resilience and ripple effect control [10,54]. Moreover, firms with successful digital networks are better positioned during the pandemic and show a more positive indication of recovery processes [66,67]. S.C. operations are also indirectly affected by the disruption.…”

The impact of big data analytics capabilities on green supply chain performance: is green supply chain innovation the missing link?

“…Several studies in the green literature (Farooque et al, 2022;Stroumpoulis and Kopanaki, 2022) confirm that firms' dependence on their organisational, human, financial, and technological resources will enhance their ability to create competitive advantages (Masoumik et al, 2014) through which they can enter new markets and enhance their market share (Joshi and Li, 2016). According to the natural resource-based view theory (NRBV), it is not only possible to rely on the firm's unique capabilities to create competitive advantages.…”

“…According to the NRBV, GSCI can enhance the proactive organisational capabilities of firms to prevent environmental risks and problems from spreading (Stroumpoulis and Kopanaki, 2022). GSCI can also reduce the life cycle burden of products (Permatasari et al, 2022), and GI initiatives can also enhance sustainable performance through cooperation Green supply chain innovation in the big data era among all parties and stakeholders to reach new environmental solutions (Farooque et al, 2022).…”

“…According to the NRBV, GSCI can enhance the proactive organisational capabilities of firms to prevent environmental risks and problems from spreading (Stroumpoulis and Kopanaki, 2022). GSCI can also reduce the life cycle burden of products (Permatasari et al.…”