Aruchunarasa, Banusha and Guandalini, Ilaria ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9154-4334 (2025) The impact of digital technologies on sustainability performance of the supply chains. In: Udeshinee, W A Piyumi, Gayanika, Sashini and De Silva, Thilini, (eds.) Applied Research in Business and Education by International Conference on Business Innovation. ICOBI Taylor & Francis Proceedings . Routledge - Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1041240679 (In Press) (doi:10.4324/9781003739920-22)

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Abstract

The integration of digital technologies (DT) and sustainability, which is defined in this research as Digital Sustainability Transformation, has become a critical approach to tackle current and future challenges in Supply Chain Management (SCM). Hence, this study investigates the impact of digital technologies (DT) on the sustainability performance (SP) of supply chains (SC), with a focus on industries in developing countries. Addressing a gap in the existing literature, it offers insights into the benefits and challenges of digital adoption for sustainable supply chain management in emerging economies. This study began with a comprehensive literature review, that informed the development of a preliminary conceptual framework. The research methodology involved conducting semi-structured interviews with participants from distinct sectors of the supply chain, utilizing Sri Lanka as a sample for developing countries. The interviews aim to examine the impact of integrating DT and sustainability on SP. This approach facilitates an in-depth exploration of complex phenomena and captures nuanced perspectives from diverse industry practitioners. The findings from interviews indicate that cost is a significant barrier to the integration of DT in sustainability initiatives in SCs. Additionally, another finding revealed that the Internet of Things (IoT) is a widely utilized technology in Sri Lankan SCs for monitoring and measuring sustainability performance, rather than other digital technologies. Furthermore, the findings reveal that some firms perceive sustainability as a public relations or marketing strategy rather than an institutional concept. Findings provides a nuanced understanding of SP specific to the DT in SCs, offering insights into both positive and negative impact that can influence SCs. This study contributes novel insights to the growing body of literature by introducing a theoretical framework for pioneering research in this domain. It provides academics with valuable perspectives on the interconnections among DT, SP, and SCM. This research establishes a foundation for further theoretical development and empirical investigation in the areas of supply chain management, digital transformation, and sustainable operations. The findings and framework offer guidelines for industry practitioners and policymakers to integrate digital transformation into their operations, thereby sustaining the supply chains' sustainable performance. The study's findings are intended to be applicable to other developing countries worldwide, addressing the common challenges and opportunities faced by emerging economies, thus serving as a valuable resource for decision- makers across diverse geographical and cultural contexts.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	digital transformation, sustainability, supply chain, sustainability performance, digital technology
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HF Commerce T Technology > T Technology (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Greenwich Business School Greenwich Business School > Networks and Urban Systems Centre (NUSC) Greenwich Business School > School of Business, Operations and Strategy
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2025 16:03
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/51577

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