Sustainability performance of digitalized manufacturing industry in COVID era: a comparative study between developed and developing economies
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2024
Abstract
PurposeThe study aims to identify the extent to which industry 4.0 (IR4.0) adoption impacts the sustainable manufacturing (SM) performance of the manufacturing industry, focusing on the comparative analysis between developed and developing economies amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study proposes a conceptual model formed on seminal theories and literature using the cross-sectional design. For data collection, a purposive sampling method is used where 154 Malaysian (developing) and Australian (developed) manufacturing firms' data were collected. Partial least square-based structural equation modeling is employed to test the hypothesis and proposed research model.FindingsThis study finds that adoption of IR4.0 technologies does not directly influence the sustainability performance of the manufacturing industry, but rather the trajectories of SM (efficiency, flexibility, automation and big data and granularity) fully mediate the relationship between IR4.0 adoption and sustainability manufacturing performance. The comparative analysis between Australia and Malaysia shows no significant difference in the relationships or the framework; hence, the differences between developed and developing countries are not significant in this mechanism.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the insights of the managers regarding COVID-19 and the implementation of IR4.0 in the SM domain. The policymakers would further get better insights since the study pays attention to sustainable development goal, industry, innovation, infrastructure and responsible production.
Keywords
COVID-19, Industry 4, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Higher order construct, PLS-SEM
Divisions
Faculty_of_Business_and_Accountancy
Publication Title
International Journal of Emerging Markets
Volume
19
Issue
10
Publisher
Emerald
Publisher Location
Floor 5, Northspring 21-23 Wellington Street, Leeds, W YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND