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Industrialisation, ecologicalisation and digitalisation (IED): building a theoretical framework for sustainable development

Industrialisation, ecologicalisation and digitalisation (IED): building a theoretical framework for sustainable development

Shi, Yongjiang, Hu, Jialun, Shang, David Tianxin, Liu, Zheng ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7240-3501 and Zhang, Wei (2023) Industrialisation, ecologicalisation and digitalisation (IED): building a theoretical framework for sustainable development. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 123 (4). pp. 1252-1277. ISSN 0263-5577 (Print), 1758-5783 (Online) (doi:10.1108/IMDS-06-2022-0371)

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Abstract

Purpose
In the past two decades, manufacturing has witnessed significant transformations alongside ecological challenges. Meanwhile, industrial 4.0 digital technologies have accelerated industrialisation with potentials of innovation in the context of circular economy. However, current concepts and models are fragmented and impractical. This paper aims to develop a holistic view integrating the three bodies of knowledge – industrialisation, ecologicalisation and digitalisation (IED) – in order to achieve sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach
Critical literature review is conducted across three bodies of knowledge. Key themes are summarised with the identification of research gaps. A theoretical framework is synthesised and developed aiming to achieve synergy from IED with the modules, integration architecture, mechanism and dynamic paths.
Findings
First, the authors review and develop three conceptual models of ecologicalised industrialisation (IE3), industrial system digitalisation (D1) and digital technology industrialisation (D2) separately. Second, the authors propose a theoretical framework seeking to synthesise the above three conceptual models together to form the IED. Third, the authors design a process orientated abductive approach to improve and validate the IED framework.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the limited literature addressing the linkage of IED by integration different perspectives to develop theory in a novel way. Practically, it provides important tools for organisations to consider resource cascading in combination with digitalisation during the industrial system design.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: industrial ecology; industrial system; circular economy; digitalisation; sustainability
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Business
Greenwich Business School > Networks and Urban Systems Centre (NUSC)
Greenwich Business School > School of Business, Operations and Strategy
Last Modified: 17 Oct 2024 16:21
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/46065

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