Industry 4.0 and sustainable business models: An intercontinental sample

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving contemporary business landscape, the Industry 4.0 revolution has emerged as an immense and transformative force, fundamentally reshaping industries and presenting significant challenges to prevailing business models. As technology components continued to evolve in response to this revolution, it became increasingly evident that understanding the multifaceted implications of these changes for organizational sustainability is of paramount importance. The overarching goal of this research was to elucidate the intricate interplay between Industry 4.0 technologies and organizational sustainability. To achieve this objective, we conducted a comprehensive exploration of real‐world instances where companies boldly embraced Industry 4.0 technologies, subjecting their specific practices and processes to thorough examination. This methodological approach yielded a wealth of invaluable insights into the practical implications of Industry 4.0 on organizational sustainability, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice. This research underscores the urgent need to provide businesses and decision‐makers with insights of paramount significance. The findings of the study aim to serve as a guiding compass for organizations, offering clarity on potential benefits and challenges associated with Industry 4.0 adoption. Notably, within the scope study, the utilization of semi‐structured interview technique added a unique dimension, enabling in‐depth insights. Interviews were conducted with individuals from diverse nations across different continents, thoughtfully selected based on predefined criteria, setting this research apart in terms of both the sample's size and the remarkable diversity within the participant profile. This diversity enriched the research findings by encompassing various perspectives and experiences, significantly enhancing the depth and breadth of the study's insights.