Smart Technologies Adoption and Sustainable Performance: The Intervening Role of Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Abstract

The rapid development of smart technologies and adoption make the world-wide market more competitive. Due to which sustainable performance has become a strategic tool and requirement to remain competitive in the market especially for the developing countries. The adoption of industry 4.0 technologies mainly Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IOT) and Blockchain Technology (BCT) is becoming crucial to remain competitive in the rapidly growing market. The main objective of this paper is to examine the impact of these technologies on sustainable performance in addition the mediating effect of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) on these relationships. To achieve the purpose of this research, a theoretical and conceptual model has been developed. The data used in this research were collected from garment industries located in Punjab Pakistan through questionnaire with convenience sampling technique. The 847 responses in total were received. The SMARTPLS was applied on collected data to analyse the results.The results revealed that all hypotheses were accepted unless the one hypothesis which was not accepted in direct relation but accepted through mediation. This indicate that majority of the hypotheses were positive and statistically significant especially the internet of thing and block chain shows positive impact towards sustainable performance whereas artificial intelligence remains insignificant yet positive. Meanwhile, all three technologies exhibit significant results towards indirect effect of sustainable supply chain management. This study is the first to explore these hypothesized relationships collectively, it was able to develop new perspectives regarding Industry 4.0 technologies and their possible effects on supply chain and sustainable performance. Additionally, the research provides a empirical evidence from a developing country context.