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Managing Innovation and Sustainable Development in the Era of Industry 4.0

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Industry 4.0 paradigm is revolutionizing service and manufacturing industries, exploiting the adoption of innovative digital technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), cyber-physical systems (CPS), artificial intelligence (AI), big data and analytics, cloud computing, robotics, augmented reality, and additive manufacturing. All companies and supply chain functions (e.g., purchasing, manufacturing, and logistics) are facing this revolution, and the digital innovations are offering new internationalization opportunities for individual firms and supply chains. In this evolving scenario, supply firms are going to see radical changes, forcing them to improve their standard in product/process design. Key factors in this transition are: high flexibility, dynamic and circular market, increasing customization, high-quality products, flexible batches, sustainable practices, and short product life cycles.

At the same time, the shift towards sustainable supply chain management and development is emerging. The triple bottom line (TBL) expands the traditional framework aimed to improve social and environmental performance in addition to financial ones. The pursuit of the TBL in terms of environmental, financial, and social strategies requires the transformation of the entire supply chain and its operations. Previous studies have shown the importance of considering the three sustainable perspectives simultaneously for the role they play in pursuing sustainable development in both developing and developed countries. With these premises, the main aim of this Special Issue is to investigate the role of the Industry 4.0 paradigm and technologies for the achievement of sustainable development, TBL, circular economy, internationalization, and collaboration opportunities.

Prof. Dr. Piera Centobelli
Prof. Dr. Wael Elgaraihy
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Industry 4.0
  • enabling technologies
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • cyber-physical systems (CPS)
  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • big data and analytics
  • cloud computing
  • robotics
  • augmented reality
  • additive manufacturing
  • 3D printing
  • manufacturing
  • circular economy
  • sustainability
  • sustainable processes
  • sustainable development goals
  • internationalization
  • triple bottom line
  • supply chain management

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Published Papers