Industry 4.0 and sustainability: the case of the Italian textile district of Prato

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the twin transition of textile firms operating in an industrial district. The twin transition comprises two interconnected but distinct processes: the sustainable transition and the digital transition. The study specifically considers sustainability goals in terms of the triple bottom line and digitalization as the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. The study aims to understand how the characteristics of Italian districts influence the choices related to the twin transition and how it affects textile industrial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducts a multiple-case study involving five firms of industrial textile district of Prato.

Findings

The results show the relationship between the characteristics of the district, such as fragmentation of the supply chain, lean manufacturing, territorial proximity and attachment to origins and traditions and the sustainable goals and I4.0 technologies adoption. Moreover, the study proposes a framework for twin transition. Market and technology drive the process in which sustainability represents the aim, I4.0 serves as enablers and the relevant outcome is the implementation of the business model innovation.

Practical implications

These findings offer valuable insights for textile firms, policymakers and stakeholders seeking to navigate the complexities of twin transition.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the broader topic of twin transition. In particular, it links the particular context represented by the industrial district in which the textile firms operate to their conduct, and the two interconnected and distinct processes, sustainable transition and digital transition, with the business model innovation topic.

Citation

Ferlito, R. (2024), "Industry 4.0 and sustainability: the case of the Italian textile district of Prato", Competitiveness Review, Vol. 34 No. 5, pp. 995-1016. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-08-2023-0202