Development of a framework for adopting Industry 4.0 integrated sustainable supply chain practices: ISM-MICMAC approach

Sustainable supply chain (SSC) practices are identified as the key solutions to deal with the rise in environmental issues, institutional pressures related to the environment, and pollution. Literature highlights that Industry 4.0 technologies enable the implementation of SSC practices and have the great potential to achieve sustainable performance by minimizing the use of resources and energy. Scholars have acknowledged the need to understand how Industry 4.0 technologies enabled SSC practices lead to gain sustained competitive advantage and sustainable performance. This research study investigates the recent trends in the literature on Industry 4.0 and SSC management areas by using a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis. Based on the findings of the SLR and inputs from the experts (both from academia and industry) associated with Indian manufacturing industries, an indicative list of critical success factors (CSFs) has been identified. The interrelationships between these CSFs have been analyzed using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis. Further, using the insights gained from the SLR and ISM-MICMAC analysis and combining them with the relevant existing organizational theories namely institutional pressure (IP) theory, resource-based view (RBV), and dynamic capabilities view (DCV), this study puts forward a theoretical model and six propositions. The analysis shows that "Governmental support and policies", "Futuristic goals, vision", "Top management support, commitment, and leadership", and "Competition", are some of the important CSFs to adopt SSC practices in the Industry 4.0 era. Further, it is observed that a "Skilled workforce", "Knowledge management", and "Technological capabilities" aid in the generation of innovative competencies such as the better implementation of SSC practices integrated with Industry 4.0 technologies, better supply chain integration, waste reduction, etc. These high-order innovative capabilities help organizations to achieve higher profitability, higher sustainable performance, and continuous competitive advantage in the dynamic business environment.