The promise of Industry 4.0 technologies for the sustainability of developing country apparel manufacturers

Gunaratne, Denanjalee; Sinkovics, Noemi; Sinkovics, Rudolf R.

Abstract

This chapter explores the promise of Industry 4.0 technologies for the sustainability of developing country apparel manufacturers. Although there is evidence that Industry 4.0 technologies can have a positive impact on the alignment of manufacturing processes with economic, social, and environmental sustainability principles, the literature predominantly focuses on developed economies. To this end, we take stock of what is known in a developed economy context and extrapolate what this may mean in a developing economy context. Based on our analysis, we conclude that there are several firm- and individual-level constraints that restrict such manufacturers from realizing the sustainability promise of these technologies. In addition, we take the discussion of this promise a step further and examine how positive and negative spillovers from the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies can affect sustainable development beyond firm boundaries.

Citation

Gunaratne, D., Sinkovics, N., & Sinkovics, R. R. (2023). The promise of Industry 4.0 technologies for the sustainability of developing country apparel manufacturers. In A. Goerzen (Ed.), Research Handbook on International Corporate Social Responsibility (391-407). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781802207040.00034

• Publication Date: Nov 10, 2023
• Deposit Date: Sep 6, 2024
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
• Pages: 391-407
• Book Title: Research Handbook on International Corporate Social Responsibility
• ISBN: 9781802207040
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781802207040.00034
• Keywords: Industry 4.0 technologies, Sustainability, Apparel, Developing countries, Institutional voids, Sustainable development
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2773326