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In the digital age, emerging technologies have affected every industry. Information and communications technology and digital technologies have transformed traditional supply chains into smart and more resilient ones, enabling effective management of challenges. Given the importance of the two topics, namely sustainable supply chain management and Industry 4.0 in supply chain management, on the one hand, and the dearth of theoretical research performed in this area on the other, this study aims to propose a conceptual model on a sustainable digital supply chain management in manufacturing companies.

This study utilized a qualitative approach. First, an in-depth review of the relevant literature was done. Then, following a multi-grounded theory methodology, relevant data were gathered by reviewing 92 papers and conducting nine semi-structured interviews with industry experts. These data were analyzed using the MAXQDA software.

A total of 41 concepts, ten sub-components and three main components (dimensions) were extracted, and the proposed conceptual model was presented. Finally, based on this conceptual model, three propositions were suggested.

Considering that the present study was performed in the context of Iranian manufacturing companies, caution should be exercised in relation to the generalizability of the obtained results. Also, due to the problems in the digital technology infrastructure and the limited use of these technologies by manufacturing companies (emphasized by the interviewees), this study focused on the theoretical dimension of using digital technologies by these companies.

The proposed comprehensive model can help academicians as well as practitioners to focus better and explore the variables and constructs of the model, paving the way toward successful implementation of digital technologies in the manufacturing supply chain.

To the best knowledge of the authors, this study is among the first of its kind which presents a holistic and comprehensive digital supply chain model aimed at guiding companies to consider sustainability from all the main dimensions and their relevant indicators.

The rapid global changes we are witnessing pose a pressing challenge that necessitates reevaluating conventional supply chain practices. Consequently, the integration of digital technologies into supply chain operations, often referred to as digital supply chain (DSC), has emerged as a strategic shift that aims to empower organizations to proactively seize new opportunities rather than being caught off guard by unforeseen disruptions arising from economic volatility, global pandemics and regional conflicts. Thus, this study embraces a knowledge-centric approach to explore the direct and indirect impact of knowledge management, innovation and learning capabilities on DSC adoption in an emerging economy context. Furthermore, it aims to shed light on the moderating role of environmental dynamism in this intricate interplay.

Employing a cross-sectional survey, the research data were collected from 354 managers representing Egyptian manufacturing and service firms utilizing a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

The results unveiled that knowledge management capability (KMC) has the highest path coefficient value among all endogenous variables. It accounts for a significant portion of the variance in innovation and learning capabilities, which play pivotal roles in adopting DSC. Notably, learning capability appears to exert a more powerful influence on DSC adoption than innovation capability through direct and mediating effects. Furthermore, the findings underscore the moderating effect of environmental dynamism on the relationship between learning capability and DSC adoption. However, this moderating role is not observed in the link between innovation capability and DSC adoption.

There is a growing trend among firms to adopt DSC in response to significant environmental shifts. This study offers valuable insights for managers and policymakers, providing them with a deeper understanding of the DSC adoption process. The study’s findings assist in identifying crucial factors that boost DSC adoption and offer guidance on successfully leveraging digital technologies for managing supply chain practices. Moreover, the study offers stimulating directions for future DSC research directions.

The study contributes to the existing literature by expanding our understanding of the adoption of DSC by utilizing knowledge, innovation and learning capabilities within the context of emerging economies.