Harmony in Progress: Exploring the Symbiosis of New-Age Digitalization and Sustainability in Industry 4.0

Abstract

In the framework of Industry 4.0, the study seeks to clarify the intricate connection between modern digitalization and sustainability and the ways in which these developing technologies support sustainable practices in the societal, environmental and economic spheres. Utilizing a conceptual framework, this study integrates insights from existing literature and provides a structured investigation to explore the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies, including smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT) and blockchain, on sustainability. The research reveals that the integration of environmental, social, economic and human aspects of sustainability. The study emphasizes how these elements support Industry 4.0 by encouraging moral and sustainable business practices. The insights derived from this research offer practical implications for policymakers, industry leaders and researchers. By understanding the symbiotic relationship between digitalization and sustainability, stakeholders can formulate strategies that leverage new-age technologies to achieve optimal efficiency while ensuring ethical and sustainable business practices. The originality lies in the holistic approach to understanding the environmental, social and economic dimensions impacted by new-age digitalization offering a comprehensive examination of the interplay between Industry 4.0 and sustainability.

Citation

Anitha, K., Sam, A. and Preetha, S. (2024), "Harmony in Progress: Exploring the Symbiosis of New-Age Digitalization and Sustainability in Industry 4.0", Mathiyazhagan, K., Kishore, A., Behdani, B. and Thanki, H. (Ed.) Impact of Industry 4.0 on Supply Chain Sustainability, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 275-296. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-777-220241019