scholarly journals Sustainability Route for Industry 4.0: The Future of Global Circular Economic Transition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smitha Chandran Sreedevi ◽  
Razim Mohammed Salahudeen
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Economic Transition ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Economic Practices ◽  
Circular System ◽  
Global Population

The traditional linear models have proved to be ineffective in perspective of the limited resources of the earth and there is an intensifying stress on the resource side due to the ever-rising global population. Moreover, this results in the unsustainable and inefficient consumption of natural resources, increasing costs of commodities and volatility in the markets, which are unaffordable for the manufacturing base of our economy. The current business models based on the traditional economic policies are not only blindly followed globally but they also neglect the organizational specifics. The circular economy or closed-loop economy is an approach in which the waste or residuals from an industry can be used as raw material for another industry there by reducing the demand on earth’s natural resources. The expected ultimate goal of this circular system is the reduction of gap between the organizational characteristics like profitability, organizational structure and decision making policies, market position and the adoption of circular economic practices.

Industry 4.0 and Sustainability

2020 ◽  
pp. 67-84
Author(s):  
Sibel Yildiz Çankaya ◽  
Bülent Sezen
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Business ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Industrial Revolutions ◽  
New Business Models

Modern industry developed over several centuries and three industrial revolutions. Today, we experience the fourth era of the industrial revolution, Industry 4.0. The advance of industrialization brought along many problems, including environmental pollution, global warming, and depletion of natural resources. As a result, the concept of sustainability began to gain importance. Sustainability can be achieved through a balance between economic, social, and environmental processes. In order to establish such balance, businesses need new business models or insights. At this point, Industry 4.0 can be regarded as a new business mindset that will help businesses and communities move towards sustainable development. The technologies used by Industry 4.0 bear a strong promise to solve these problems, after all. Even though Industry 4.0 attracts a lot of attention lately, few works are available on its impact on sustainability. This chapter examines the impact of Industry 4.0 on sustainability.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) of Sassuolo Industrial District (Italy)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Settembre-Blundo ◽  
Fernando E. García-Muiña ◽  
Martina Pini ◽  
Lucrezia Volpi ◽  
Cristina Siligardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Integrated Network ◽  
Product Categories

One of the biggest challenges for European industry is to introduce sustainability principles into business models. This is particularly important in raw material and energy intensive manufacturing sectors such as the ceramic industry. The present state of knowledge lacks a comprehensive operational tool for industry to support decision-making processes geared towards sustainability. In the ceramic sector, the economic and social dimensions of the product and processes have not yet been given sufficient importance. Moreover, the traditional research on industrial districts lacks an analysis of the relations between firms and the territory with a view to sustainability. Finally, the attention of scholars in the field of economic and social sustainability, has not yet turned to the analysis of the Sassuolo district. Therefore, in this paper we introduce the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), as a method that can be a suitable tool to fill this gap, because through a mathematical model it is possible to obtain the information useful for decision makers to integrate the principles of sustainability both at the microeconomic level in enterprises, and at the meso-economic level for the definition of economic policies and territorial governance. Environmental and socio-economic analysis was performed from the extraction of raw materials to the packaging of the product on different product categories manufactured by the Italian ceramic industries of the Sassuolo district (northern Italy). For the first time the LCSA model, usually applied to unitary processes, is extended to the economic and industrial activities of the entire district, extending the prospect of investigation from the enterprise and its value chain to the integrated network of district enterprises.

scholarly journals Is the Transition to Bioeconomy a Sustainable Solution in Fast-fashion Industry, Considering the Overconsumption? - Premises for Future Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-44
Author(s):  
Raluca Ciornea
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Consumer Behaviour ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Waste Generation ◽  
Fast Fashion ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Global Population

Abstract The main objective of the paper is to inquire if bioeconomy is a “saving” sustainable solution to major problems caused by fast-fashion industry - consumption of non-renewable and scarce natural resources, waste generation, pollution - in the actual conditions of overconsumption and consumption intensification due to accelerated increase of global population. A closer look reveals that not only that fast-fashion industry is not bridging the gap to sustainability, but also that its transit to bioeconomy (which is the main alternative proposed by global organisms to increase sustainability) may deepen the global issues wanted to be solved, if the current business models are maintained. Insides evidence that individual overconsumption outpaces the fast-fashion industry’s efforts to create a sustainable bio-economic system, thus is imperative to redesign the business models to use less important natural resources and to reduce the environmental impact, while in parallel discourage the overconsumption. Consequently, fast-fashion business models need to have a sustainable holistic approach and incorporate sustainable measures, which are able to shift the consumer behaviour from overconsumption to sustainable choices, in their marketing objectives, strategies and actions. Based on the findings, premises for future research were proposed.

Industry 4.0 and Sustainability

2021 ◽  
pp. 113-130
Author(s):  
Sibel Yildiz Çankaya ◽  
Bülent Sezen
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Business ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Industrial Revolutions ◽  
New Business Models

Modern industry developed over several centuries and three industrial revolutions. Today, we experience the fourth era of the industrial revolution, Industry 4.0. The advance of industrialization brought along many problems, including environmental pollution, global warming, and depletion of natural resources. As a result, the concept of sustainability began to gain importance. Sustainability can be achieved through a balance between economic, social, and environmental processes. In order to establish such balance, businesses need new business models or insights. At this point, Industry 4.0 can be regarded as a new business mindset that will help businesses and communities move towards sustainable development. The technologies used by Industry 4.0 bear a strong promise to solve these problems, after all. Even though Industry 4.0 attracts a lot of attention lately, few works are available on its impact on sustainability. This chapter examines the impact of Industry 4.0 on sustainability.

scholarly journals Territorial Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (T-LCSA) of Sassuolo Industrial District (Italy)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Settembre-Blundo ◽  
Fernando E. García-Muiña ◽  
Martina Pini ◽  
Lucrezia Volpi ◽  
Cristina Siligardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Integrated Network ◽  
Product Categories

One of the biggest challenges for European industry is to introduce sustainability principles into business models. This is particularly important in raw material and energy intensive manufacturing sectors such as the ceramic industry. The present state of knowledge lacks a comprehensive operational tool for industry to support decision-making processes geared towards sustainability. In the ceramic sector, the economic and social dimensions of the product and processes have not yet been given sufficient importance. Moreover, the traditional research on industrial districts lacks an analysis of the relations between firms and the territory with a view to sustainability. Finally, the attention of scholars in the field of economic and social sustainability, has not yet turned to the analysis of the Sassuolo district. Therefore, in this paper we define the Territorial Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (T-LCSA), a method that can be a suitable tool to fill this gap, because through a mathematical model it is possible to obtain the information useful for decision makers to integrate the principles of sustainability both at the microeconomic level in enterprises, and at the meso-economic level for the definition of economic policies and territorial governance. Environmental and socio-economic analysis was performed from the extraction of raw materials to the packaging of the product on different product categories manufactured by the Italian ceramic industries of the Sassuolo district (northern Italy). For the first time the T-LCSA model, usually applied to unitary processes, is extended to the economic and industrial activities of the entire district, extending the prospect of investigation from the enterprise and its value chain to the integrated network of district enterprises.

Reflection of Digital Transformation on Corporate Sustainability and a Theoratical Perspective

2020 ◽  
pp. 231-258
Author(s):  
Cemal Zehir ◽  
Burcu Özgül
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Process Automation ◽  
Digital Business Models ◽  
Industrial Manufacture ◽  
The World ◽  
Theoretical Frame

With its high process automation and digitalization, Industry 4.0 provides new opportunities to actualize more flexible, higher quality, speedy, cheap, and productive manufacturing and services. Containing numerous technology and paradigms, Industry 4.0 is expected to transform the industrial manufacture and society by aiming at economic, social, and environmental gains. The facts that natural resources are running out, lifecycle of the world is diminishing, and society has increasing anxiety on this situation. These have been the propulsive power for the development of Industry 4.0. By means of the technology and innovations that Industry 4.0 brings along, it is clear that it could also contribute to the recent popular and emphasized concept:sustainability. In this chapter, after giving information about the paradigms related with Industry 4.0, the theoretical frame of corporate sustainability and the effect of digital transformation on corporate sustainability have been evaluated. And then, constructing sustainable digital business models and focusing on value proposal have been discussed.

scholarly journals Integration of resources and regeneration of the biosystem in the concept of development of circular economy

2019 ◽  
pp. 74-86
Author(s):  
Roman Zvarych ◽  
Iryna Zvarych
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Product Life Cycle ◽  
Business Models ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Growth Effect ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
Circular System

Introduction. The scale of the risks, threats, and consequently the challenges of reducing and improving the efficiency of waste management, provides significant business opportunities. The circular system enables efficient movement of materials, energy, labor and information for the purpose of restoring natural and social capital. The circular economy should be part of efforts to boost economic development, overcome wasteful consumption and reduce undemocratic power structures in the global economy. Hence, the topic is relevant and needs appropriate research. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to research the biophysical environment of the circular system, the level of integration of resources and the regeneration of the biosystem in the concept of development of the circular economy. Methods. Research methods of problems related to the concept of circular economy development are based on general and specific methods of studying economic processes, phenomena and facts concerning the integration of resources and regeneration of the biosystem. This research uses monographic and graphical methods, methods of system analysis, systematization, classification, logical, theoretical and generalizations (in research the integration of resources and regeneration of the biosystem in the concept of development of circular economy). Results. The world economy meets the demand of the population in all continents at affordable prices, which gives consumers a much higher level of material comfort. The manufacturing industry transforms resources into an extremely large number of products and uses natural resources to produce waste products at the first need. It is relevant to break the product life cycle chain: “raw material-product-dust” and to change the linear economy. The basis for a new system – alternative to linear economy can be system that base on three principles: design waste and pollution; save products and materials in use; regeneration of the natural system. The circular economy is a systematic approach to economic development that can benefit business, society and the environment. The authors believe that, unlike the linear “raw material-product-dust” model, the circular economy model is regenerative in design and aims to gradually reduce the growth effect of the consumption of scarce resources. Accordingly, the circular approach provides systematic changes of everyone and everything: enterprises, governments and individuals; cities, products and jobs. Discussion. Further scientific researches of circular economy concept development, integration of resources, biosystem regeneration, evaluation of circular business models should be based on the current national and foreign methodology and organization of evaluation of the circularity of economy, its concepts and variations. Further studies should widely apply methods of operational and strategic forecasting and modelling of the enterprise waste management system, etc.

scholarly journals Managing a Sustainable Supply Chain – Statistical Analysis of Natural Resources in the Furniture Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-234
Author(s):  
Anna Wiśniewska-Sałek
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Furniture Industry ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Environmental Aspect

Abstract Managing a sustainable supply chain is a concept related to many areas of the economy. Its efficient functioning depends on the implementation of SDG activities and the development of industry (first-fourth/fifth industrial revolution). Due to the likelihood of different priorities in the implementation of the sustainable development goals, it is important to build such relationships, e.g. in the supply chain, so that their implementation could take place under similar conditions. Digitization, or the circular economy concept (CE), create an opportunity for the SME sector to build relationships as part of industry networks, for instance, where the managed supply chain would have a common and realistic goal to achieve. This goal will be a priority in business models based on sustainable development. The article presents the results of research regarding the furniture industry in Poland (key industry, referred to as smart specialization). The results of the analysis show that the industry has a large production potential, and the natural resources used in it are constantly increasing. However, there are doubts raised by the lack of stability in the dynamics of the sold production in the industry. Ultimately, the business model of the industry supply chain should focus on the environmental aspect (sustainable management of the raw material supply chain) and on eco-friendly consumption (sustainable management of the product supply chain), so that it can be managed in a sustainable way.

Industry 4.0 initiatives in EU countries: experience for Ukraine

2020 ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
Nataliya Ryvak ◽  
Anna Kernytska
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Industrial Complex ◽  
Interconnected System ◽  
Industrial Transformation ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
European Experience ◽  
High Level

In this paper, digital technologies development was analyzed as the basis for the so-called “fourth industrial revolution” with the potential for the qualitative transformation of the Ukrainian economy based on EU countries’ experience. Industry 4.0 is a new control chain over the entire chain of creating value throughout the product lifecycle. When developing an economic policy, it is important to pay attention to Industry 4.0. It increases productivity, produces new, better, and individualized products, and implements new business models based on “undermining” innovations. A comparative analysis of national initiatives I4.0 with their characteristics according to the main dimensions, including funding, focus, direction, was conducted. Particular attention was paid to considering deterrents to the successful implementation and enforcement of the I4.0 initiative in European countries. The factors of successful implementation of I4.0 initiatives in the EU countries were analyzed. Drawing on the analysis of the European experience of digital transformations in industry and national economies in general, the necessity of critical focus of such transformations in Ukraine was highlighted, and the need for state support of industrial transformation was substantiated. The emphasis was placed on the cooperation development between stakeholders within the implementation of Industry 4.0 – it is necessary to create national and regional 4.0 platforms, following the example of EU countries, which would bring together government institutions, businesses, and academics. The successful positioning of the Ukrainian modern industrial complex on the world markets depends on the high level of the interconnected system providing factors that characterize its development process. Considering the influence of a list of inhibiting factors on implementing the country’s industry accelerated development, a set of measures needed to transform Ukraine’s industry based on European experience was substantiated.

Emerging Industrial Revolution: Symbiosis of Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy: The Role of Universities

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seeram Ramakrishna ◽  
Alfred Ngowi ◽  
Henk De Jager ◽  
Bankole O. Awuzie
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Jobs

Growing consumerism and population worldwide raises concerns about society’s sustainability aspirations. This has led to calls for concerted efforts to shift from the linear economy to a circular economy (CE), which are gaining momentum globally. CE approaches lead to a zero-waste scenario of economic growth and sustainable development. These approaches are based on semi-scientific and empirical concepts with technologies enabling 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and 6Rs (reuse, recycle, redesign, remanufacture, reduce, recover). Studies estimate that the transition to a CE would save the world in excess of a trillion dollars annually while creating new jobs, business opportunities and economic growth. The emerging industrial revolution will enhance the symbiotic pursuit of new technologies and CE to transform extant production systems and business models for sustainability. This article examines the trends, availability and readiness of fourth industrial revolution (4IR or industry 4.0) technologies (for example, Internet of Things [IoT], artificial intelligence [AI] and nanotechnology) to support and promote CE transitions within the higher education institutional context. Furthermore, it elucidates the role of universities as living laboratories for experimenting the utility of industry 4.0 technologies in driving the shift towards CE futures. The article concludes that universities should play a pivotal role in engendering CE transitions.

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