How can companies build resilient and sustainable supply chains in the face of major disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic or geopolitical conflicts? And which factors really matter when adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in developing countries? These questions are increasingly relevant in a world marked by uncertainty and supply chain fragility.
In the paper “A taxonomy of critical factors towards sustainable operations and supply chain management 4.0 in developing countries”, our researcher Daniel Luiz de Mattos Nascimento, alongside with Rodrigo Goyannes Gusmão Caiado (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro), Luiz Felipe Scavarda (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro), Guilherme Vidal (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro), and Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes (University of Derby) address this challenge by developing a comprehensive taxonomy of critical success factors (CSFs) for sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management 4.0 (S-OSCM4.0).
The authors start from the observation that, while Industry 4.0 can significantly enhance supply chain resilience, efficiency and flexibility, organizations, especially in developing countries, often lack clear guidance on how to integrate digital transformation with sustainability goals. To close this gap, the study combines a systematic literature review of 131 academic papers with a fuzzy Delphi method involving industry experts, capturing both theoretical insights and practical experience.
The central contribution of the paper is a validated, multi-dimensional taxonomy of CSFs that supports the implementation of S-OSCM4.0. These factors are organized into four key dimensions: strategic, operational, technological and environmental orientation. Together, they provide a holistic framework to guide organizations in aligning digitalization efforts with environmental, social and economic sustainability.
The results highlight that sustainable Industry 4.0 goes beyond adopting advanced technologies. Success depends on strategic commitment, operational readiness, technological capabilities and environmental awareness. All of these elements are particularly challenging, but also particularly impactful, in developing country contexts.
Beyond its theoretical contribution, the study offers a concrete managerial artefact. The taxonomy can be used as a benchmark and decision-making tool by managers, policymakers and practitioners seeking to implement sustainable digital transformation in supply chains. It also has broader societal implications, supporting education, informing public policy and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Overall, the research advances our understanding of how sustainability and Industry 4.0 can be effectively integrated in operations and supply chain management. By identifying and prioritizing the critical success factors for S-OSCM4.0, the paper provides a robust roadmap for building more resilient, responsible and future-ready supply chains, especially in developing economies.
Other related research by Daniel Luiz de Mattos Nascimento:
Circular Economy and Industry 4.0
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