Exploring the relationship of digital transformation and sustainability: a bibliometric analysis and future research agenda

In disrupted environments, the concept of digitalisation, viability, and sustainability have attracted considerable attention for the last decade. Digital, lean, and green capabilities have stimulated enormous advances in the development of industries. This paper discusses the current state of the art literature regarding sustainable and digital supply chain management performance. It reviews the relationship between digital technologies, lean, green, sustainability, and supply chain performance. A literature review approach, combined with a bibliometric analysis was adopted for robust field analysis. A set of 86 papers has been analysed and synthesised. The analysis of these papers has enabled the identification of the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on the supply chain performance; the relationship of lean, green, and sustainability capabilities and digital supply chain; and the implications of the digital transformation of those capabilities. It presents a roadmap model integrating lean and green for viable, sustainable, and digital supply chain performance. The study is useful for academics and practitioners as it provides a roadmap framework and a solid background for integrating lean and green in the digital supply chain to achieve sustainable and viable performance as it outlines the necessity for incorporating the sustainability and viability performances in the digital supply chains.

Digitalización y transformación digital en la industria turística: una revisión bibliométrica y una agenda de investigaciónPropósitoEn las últimas décadas, se ha realizado un número significativo de contribuciones de investigación a la intersección de las tecnologías digitales y la industria del turismo. Sin embargo, no se ha prestado suficiente atención a un examen exhaustivo de la digitalización y la transformación digital en la industria del turismo. Este estudio tiene como objetivo proporcionar una revisión bibliométrica de la investigación sobre digitalización y transformación digital en la industria del turismo y diseñar futuras agendas de investigación para avanzar en el campo de la investigación.Diseño/Metodología/EnfoqueEste estudio utiliza el protocolo de Procedimientos y fundamentos científicos para revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura (SPAR-4-SLR) y un análisis bibliométrico para examinar el progreso de la investigación y mapear científicamente el dominio de investigación de la digitalización y la transformación digital en la industria del turismo. de 2002 a 2023 utilizando datos bibliográficos recuperados de Scopus y Web of Science (WOS).HallazgosEste estudio presenta las tendencias en publicaciones y citas dentro del dominio de investigación sobre digitalización y transformación digital en turismo. Los hallazgos también brindan información sobre los cuatro grupos principales del campo de investigación: innovación digital, ecosistema de turismo inteligente, turismo electrónico y experiencia de destino inteligente. Para aumentar aún más la aplicación de la transformación digital, este estudio ofrece varias recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones sobre la digitalización y la transformación digital de la industria turística.OriginalidadEste estudio avanza en el campo de investigación de la digitalización y la transformación digital en la industria del turismo al examinar en profundidad los principales grupos de investigación en el corpus de investigación de las últimas dos décadas. Además, orienta la investigación futura, sentando así las bases para mayores avances en este ámbito.ImplicaciónEste estudio proporciona implicaciones valiosas para los investigadores, administradores y formuladores de políticas que buscan comprender el estado actual y las direcciones futuras de la investigación en el campo de la digitalización y la transformación digital del turismo.

The Yellow River Economic Belt, where the degree of digital economy development is uneven, is the first research object used in this study. It then suggests a way to measure the degree of digital economy development and carbon emissions in order to address the problem of effectively controlling carbon emissions in the rapidly developing digital economy. Finally, a genetic method is presented to further enhance the backpropagation neural network model's update process, which was improved utilizing the particle swarm optimization technique. According to the findings, this research identified three primary elements: digital industrialization, digital finance, and digital ecological environment. According to the findings, this research identified three primary elements: digital industrialization, digital finance, and digital ecological environment. With the use of digital technology, the digital ecological environment fosters a peaceful coexistence between people and the natural world. In addition to encouraging the advancement of digital technology, it may also help to integrate digital transformation and green development. The use of digital technology in ecological environment governance can assist accomplish sustainable development goals, improve resource allocation, and encourage intelligent and green production and life. In order to change conventional financial service models, the financial sector known as "digital finance" makes use of digital technologies and data components. It has the potential to be very important in encouraging industrial upgrading and propelling the growth of new industries. Additionally, the whole credit structure of the industrial chain may be improved by digital credit and risk management, which will support the economic structure's optimization. The use of digital technology to a variety of sectors, encouraging their digital transformation and modernization, is known as digital industrialization. It is a key component of a contemporary industrial system that may drive new industries and formats, support the intelligent and information-based transformation of established industries, and improve the economic structure. At the same time, the associated carbon emissions dropped by 0.0439 units for every unit rise in the study area's digital economy's degree of growth. The region's overall population, energy consumption, sophisticated industrial structure, and industrial structure rationalization all positively promote carbon emissions, whilst other variables have the opposite impact. The final study approach had the highest predictive performance, with a high goodness of fit of 0.9936 and an average absolute error of 16.971. The aforementioned study results demonstrate that the methodology can effectively evaluate the level of carbon emissions and the development of the digital economy across different regions and provide targeted solutions to lower carbon emissions in line with local conditions, thus fostering the vibrancy of the digital economy.

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of digital business intensity and transformation on organizational ambidexterity and sustainable performance on insurance companies in Indonesia from a dynamic capabilities’ perspective.Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a quantitative approach, purposive sampling used to select insurance companies with assets over IDR 1 trillion. The primary data was obtained directly from the top-level management unit of 120 data questionnaires, namely, 40 Chief Executive Officer (CEO), 40 chief agency officer (CAO) and 40 Chiefs Technology Officer CTO) of each company. The data of each department in a company is aggregated as a single unit of responses from one company. The Structural Equation Model is used as a method to test and analyze data, using SmartPLS software.Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of digital business intensity and digital transformation on organizational ambidexterity and sustainable organizational performance in Indonesian insurance firms from a dynamic capability perspective.Design/methodology/approach: Through quantitative approach, purposive sampling is used to select insurance companies with assets exceeding IDR 1 trillion. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 120 top-level executives, including 40 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), 40 Chief Agency Officers (CAOs), and 40 Chiefs Technology Officers CTOs). Responses from each company were aggregated to form a unified dataset for analysis. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data using SmartPLS software.Findings: The findings reveal that both digital business transformation and government interventions significantly increase organizational ambidexterity. Furthermore, organizational ambidexterity serves as a mediator for the relationship between digital business intensity and government intervention towards sustainable organizational performance. The mediating role of organizational ambidexterity in the relationship for digital business intensity and sustainable organizational performance is positively moderated by digital business intensity.Research limitations/implications: The study applies dynamic capability as a theoretical basis to understand how insurance companies can attain sustainable performance in the digital age. However, it acknowledges limitations, such as the exclusion of external factors like macroeconomic conditions, regulatory changes, and rapid technological advancements. The focus on the insurance sector may also limit the applicability of the findings to other industries with different dynamics.Practical implications: The study provides actionable insights for insurance firms to refine their digital strategies. By developing and validating new metrics to measure digital business intensity and sustainable performance, firms can better assess the effectiveness of their digital transformation. This framework serves as a guide for practitioners to evaluate the impact of digital initiatives on their organizations.Originality/value: This study enriches the organizational literature by demonstrating how digital business intensity and ambidexterity contribute to enhancing sustainable performance in the insurance industry. It also highlights the significance of government policies as external factors influencing organizational dynamics, offering a new perspective on how these elements interact within the context of dynamic capabilities in the financial sector.

This study investigates the evolving landscape of digital transformation for sustainable business operations through a bibliometric and content analysis, aiming to uncover key technologies, challenges, and research opportunities in this interdisciplinary field. Utilizing data from the Scopus database from 2016 to 2025, the research employs descriptive and network analysis methods using VOSviewer to explore publication trends, top contributors, co-authorship networks, and thematic clusters. The findings reveal a significant increase in academic interest, particularly from 2020 onwards, driven by integrating digital tools such as artificial intelligence, big data, IoT, and blockchain in advancing sustainability goals. Notably, China, Italy, and the United Kingdom are identified as leading contributors, while institutions from developed and emerging economies demonstrate active involvement. Co-word analysis highlights dominant themes like digital transformation, sustainability, Industry 4.0, circular economy, and green innovation. The study also shows that digitally enabled sustainable practices enhance operational efficiency, supply chain transparency, and stakeholder trust. Based on content analysis of highly cited articles, the research suggests that digital transformation improves corporate performance and addresses environmental and social challenges. Recommendations include prioritizing cross-sectoral collaboration, developing integrated digital-sustainability frameworks, and fostering digital capacity-building in developing regions. However, the study is limited by its reliance on the Scopus database, potential language bias due to English-only sources, and the exclusion of grey literature, which may overlook regional or non-traditional contributions. Future research should extend the analysis to other databases, include non-English literature, and explore the long-term impact of digital transformation on sustainability outcomes across diverse organizational contexts.

This study establishes a conceptual framework, “digital transformation – supply chain concentration – sustainable performance”, to address the existing knowledge gap and elucidate the nuanced connections between digital transformation, supply chain concentration, and sustainable performance. Indeed, the existing body of literature does not offer detailed analyses of the pathways and effects concerning the interplay among the three dimensions within the sustainable development framework. The model's foundation is rooted in stakeholder theory. By examining a sample of 3947 listed Chinese firms, this study's results highlight a noteworthy link between digital transformation and enhanced sustainable performance, assessed through the triple bottom line framework, thus helping to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as the eighth and ninth SDGs. This improvement is attributed to reducing supply chain concentration and promoting a diversified supply chain configuration. Furthermore, the correlation between digital transformation and sustainable performance settings demonstrates significant heterogeneity. This study enhances stakeholder theory by demonstrating that digital transformation and supply chain concentration contribute to sustainable performance, supporting the eighth and ninth SDGs and offering managers a pathway for sustainable development. It also calls for policies that promote digital transformation and diversified supply chains to improve societal welfare and sustainability practices.

This study examined the association between digital transformation (DT), supply chain integration (SCI), and overall sustainable supply chain performance (OSSCP). The current literature has preliminarily explored the concepts of DT and SCI and their relationship with sustainable supply chain performance. However, real empirical evidence of the direct impact of DT and SCI on OSSCP has been missing so far. To fill this gap, data were collected from 134 professionals working in international manufacturing companies operating in Morocco through a questionnaire-based survey from August 2022 to November 2022. A conceptual framework was developed based on DT, SCI, and OSSCP and analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with the assistance of SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings revealed that DT has a significant positive influence on SCI and OSSCP. Furthermore, SCI directly and positively impacts OSSCP with a partial mediation effect on the relationship between DT and OSSCP. Further, this research provides insights for practitioners into enhancing sustainable supply chain performance by adopting digital technologies and integrating SC functions. In particular, this study revealed that DT adoption drives a higher ethical supply chain level from the perspective of sustainability and efficiency in operations. This study is the first to analyze the influence of digital transformation and supply chain integration on sustainable supply chain performance in a manufacturing context.

With the rise of the digital economy, a new sort of logistics, known as e-logistics, has emerged as a “must-have” in the worldwide logistics business. That is why this topic becomes so relevant among scholars and the industrial field. The idea of the research is based on the analysis of the literature on transformation of logistics centres. The goal of this study is to quantitative assessment of the current literature on the topic of digital logistics centres by identifying the most relevant areas and a gap in the literature. The research methodology is based on bibliometric analysis using the articles in the Scopus database. Generally, 127 scientific papers from 2019–2023 were analyzed through VOSviewer. Research results show that after the Covid-19 pandemic a large number of technological digital solutions emerged and the pandemic served as a spur to the active use of digital technology by various organizations. The most productive countries were the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Germany and Italy. The study evaluated the following parameters: top publishing countries, most cited authors, widely studied fields, research clusters, etc. The results of the study showed that the most studied areas are digital transformation, Industry 4.0 and supply chain management, while the digital transformation of logistics centers and the application of practical tools have not yet been fully explored. The findings and propositions of the study can contribute to the digital development of local logistics centers and expand the literature in this area.

The purpose of the article is to study the key aspects of the formation of digital supply chains, directions for the use of digital technologies in logistics and management of global supply chains. To achieve the goal of this study, meth-ods of analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization, structural-logical methods were used. The article considers the essence of the concept of a digital supply chain, explores the accumulated theoretical and practical experience in this area, presents an analysis of trends in logistics and supply chains, clarifies the aspects of the use of various digital technologies in the process of digital transformation of supply chains, focuses on the defining characteristics of a digital supply chain, as well as the main levers of supply chain improvement 4.0. Both the benefits and the possible risks of introducing a digital supply chain are identified. The factors influencing the complexity and the cost of the necessary digital solutions are indicated and the directions for further trans-formation of supply chains based on digital technologies are presented. Mod-ern technologies have been characterized that allow digital transformation of supply chains, which include artificial intelligence, virtual integration with plat-form-based suppliers, predictive analytics, blockchain, etc. Our research con-cluded that the most important benefits of a digital supply chain are increased flexibility, efficiency and productivity. The digital supply chain presented as a dynamic and integrated network is characterized by a continuous flow of in-formation that facilitates automation, adds value, improved on work processes and analytics, and generates insights, thereby improving customer service and organizational sustainability. It is emphasized that the main goal is not the very fact of introducing digital technologies into the relevant business process-es, but what opportunities these technologies generate in order to create a new way of doing business, provide a new digital business strategy necessary to increase competitive advantages and create a positive customer experience through innovative new products and services.

Background: Digital supply chain transformation research exhibits a critical gap, examining technologies in isolation rather than as integrated ecosystems. Methods: This study addresses this limitation by developing a comprehensive orchestration frame-work through PRISMA-guided systematic review of 96 publications (2012–2024) using bibliometric analysis, structural topic modeling, and thematic synthesis across Scopus and Web of Science databases. Results: Analysis revealed three distinct research clusters: Supply Chain Management (centrality: 14.95), Digital Transformation (centrality: 9.50, density: 101.05), and Big Data Analytics (density: 113.22), with substantial negative correlations (−0.48 to −0.54) indicating organizational evolution from fragmented adoption toward integration. Conclusions: Publications increased 78% year-over-year during 2021–2022, while Supply Chain Management dominated topic prevalence (41%) and Big Data Analytics declined from 0.9 to 0.15 as practices normalized. The Digital Supply Chain Orchestration Framework conceptualizes transformation as multi-layered with hierarchical relationships between foundational domains, technological enablers, integration mechanisms, and value creation dimensions. This framework provides structured approaches for organizations to assess digital maturity, identify technological gaps, and develop strategic roadmaps aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, bridging theory and practice for integrated, value-driven digital transformation.

PurposeThis study reviews scholarly work in sustainable green logistics and remanufacturing (SGLR) and their subdisciplines, in combination with bibliometric, thematic and content analyses that provide a viewpoint on categorization and a future research agenda. This paper provides insight into current research trends in the subjects of interest by examining the most essential and most referenced articles promoting sustainability and climate-neutral logistics.Design/methodology/approachFor the literature review, the authors extracted and sifted 2180 research and review papers for the period 2008–2023 from the Scopus database. The authors performed bibliometric and content analyses using multiple software programs such as Gephi, VOSviewer and R programming.FindingsThe SGLR papers can be grouped into seven clusters: (1) The circular economy facets; (2) Decarbonization of operations to nurture a climate-neutral business; (3) Green sustainable supply chain management; (4) Drivers and barriers of reverse logistics and the circular economy; (5) Business models for sustainable logistics and the circular economy; (6) Transportation problems in sustainable green logistics and (7) Digitalization of logistics and supply chain management.Practical implicationsIn this review, fundamental ideas are established, research gaps are identified and multiple future research subjects are proposed. These propositions are categorized into three main research streams, i.e. (1) Digitalization of SGLR, (2) Enhancing scopes, sectors and industries in the context of SGLR and (3) Developing more efficient and effective climate-neutral and climate change-related solutions and promoting more environmental-related and sustainability research concerning SGLR. In addition, two conceptual models concerning SGLR and climate-neutral strategies are developed and presented for managers and practitioners to consider when adopting green and sustainability principles in supply chains. This review also highlights the need for academics to go beyond frameworks and build new techniques and instruments for monitoring SGLR performance in the real world.Originality/valueThis study provides an overview of the evolution of SGLR; it also clarifies concepts, environmental concerns and climate change practices, particularly those directed to supply chain management.

PurposeThis paper breaks through the limitations of the research on bullwhip effect in the traditional supply chain, extends the research perspective to digital supply chain and discusses the weakening effect of digital supply chain on bullwhip effect by comparing the overall performance of the two.Design/methodology/approachThis paper starts with the weakening mechanism of supply chain digitization on bullwhip effect, builds bullwhip effect models of traditional supply chain and digital supply chain, respectively, simulates the influence of supply chain digitization transformation on bullwhip effect by using Matlab software and analyzes the causes of bullwhip effect in supply chain led by T company and the digitization process.FindingsFirstly, digitization can reduce bullwhip effect in multi-level supply chain by reducing information feedback deviation. Second, digital transformation is conducive to improving the overall performance of the supply chain. Third, government incentives can promote the digital transformation of supply chain and inhibit bullwhip effect.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the study considers the heterogeneous subject -- the government's incentive effect on digital transformation and information sharing – it does not include the influence of the end node in the supply chain, that is the consumer. In addition, this paper only analyzes and discusses the bullwhip effect on the amplification of demand, without considering the situation that the market contraction will lead to the reduction of demand.Practical implicationsThis paper considers the distortion degree and delay degree of information feedback, carries out quantitative analysis of bullwhip effect, builds the bullwhip effect model of traditional supply chain and digital supply chain, uses Matlab software to analyze the difference of the influence of supply chain digital transformation on bullwhip effect suppression and puts forward the corresponding control strategy.Social implicationsThe research shows that digital transformation can reduce the bullwhip effect in multi-layer supply chain by reducing the information feedback deviation, which is conducive to improving the overall supply chain performance, and government support can accelerate the digital transformation of supply chain to a certain extent.Originality/valueFirst, break through the limitations of traditional supply chain research, expand the research perspective to digital supply chain and discuss the weakening effect of digital supply chain on bullwhip effect by comparing the overall performance of the two. Second, quantify the bullwhip effect through information feedback bias and provide an analysis method for the weakening of the bullwhip effect. Third, the driving role of the government in the digital transformation of the supply chain is considered in the study, so that the model is more close to the actual situation of enterprise operation.

Interorganizational collaboration and the use of new digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, internet of things (IoT), or blockchain technology, are regarded as key enablers in implementing sustainability and circular economy‐oriented practices. While this is reflected in a few conceptual and case studies, statistical analyses on the topic are rare. No study so far has focused on collaboration, and digital technologies have only been studied in isolation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of interorganizational collaboration practices on a firm's circular economy practices and on outcomes (sustainability performance and economic performance), as well as the potentially facilitative role of new digital technologies on both. The research is based on a deductive approach, using a random sample of 112 Austrian manufacturing companies. The study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM), features a multiple‐respondent design, and uses the dynamic capabilities view as a theoretical foundation. The study finds that interorganizational collaboration practices have a strong positive effect on the implementation of sustainability and CE practices, while the use of new digital technologies and general dynamic capabilities do not. The use of digital technologies positively affects only interorganizational collaboration, while general dynamic capabilities serve as an antecedent for both the use of digital technologies and interorganizational collaboration. Regarding the outcomes of CE implementation, the study finds a positive impact on firm‐level sustainability and economic performance. From a theoretical point of view, the study provides a new perspective on the prerequisites for successful CE implementation, highlights the importance of collaboration, and contextualizes the role of new digital technologies and dynamic capabilities. From a practical point of view, based on the positive outcomes found, the study supports arguments in favor of company engagement in CE activity. It also serves to motivate purposive digitization and systems thinking in order to create efficient CE collaboration networks.

This study analyzes the effects of Product Innovation (PI) and Business Process Innovation (BPI) on firm performance and empirically tests the mediating role of Digital Transformation (DT) and the moderating role of emerging digital technologies. Using data from 3,219 service-sector firms in the 2023 Korea Innovation Survey, we show that innovation translates into performance primarily through the organizational pathway of DT, and that the possession and use of digital technologies amplify this effect. The results are as follows. First, both PI and BPI have significant positive effects on sales performance. Second, DT partially mediates both relationships, indicating that the more firms internalize innovation through digitalization, automation, and data-driven operations, the stronger the translation of innovation into performance. Third, emerging digital technologies significantly strengthen the performance effects of PI and BPI as a moderator, confirming that the level of technological adoption is a key factor determining the strength of the innovation–performance link. In short, DT operates as a mediator, whereas emerging digital technologies operate as a moderator. These findings suggest that firms should move beyond “what to innovate (product/process)” to focus on “how to convert innovation into performance (organizational DT)” and “with what technological capabilities to reinforce it (use of newdigital technologies).” Theoretically, the study contributes by empirically identifying, within the Resource-Based View (RBV), a dual pathway of innovation–transformation– performance and the boundary conditions imposed by emerging digital technologies. Practically, it implies that firms must build internal DT capabilities while strategically leveraging external new technologies to convert innovation into performance. At the policy and industry levels, the results point to the need for support of the digital ecosystem and supply chain–level DT policies.

Aim. The presented study aims to determine the narratives of digital economic transformation in industrial territories and to identify regions with the best prospects for its successful implementation.Tasks. The authors clarify the concept of “digital transformation narrative”; develop and test a logical model of narrative analysis of regional digital transformation; build a typology of industrial regions according to the prospects for successful implementation of digital economic transformation with allowance for the identified narratives.Methods. This study uses an original narrative analysis methodology consisting of five consecutive steps. During the first three steps, the interest of authorities, businesses, and the population in the implementation of digital transformation is assessed using bibliometric, comparative, and statistical analysis respectively. The fourth step of the methodology is implemented using content analysis tools, which makes it possible to identify the key narrative components of digital economic transformation. The fifth step summarizes the results obtained earlier by building a typology of industrially developed regions according to the level of their propensity for digital economic transformation determined with allowance for narratives.Results. The study proves that narratives forming in society during socio-economic and cultural transformations caused by digital transformation can (and should) serve as a source of information about the region’s propensity for transformations on the basis of innovations, reflecting the degree of the preparedness of authorities, businesses, and the population to adopt and participate in such transformations. The creators of digitalization narratives are identified, which include the government, businesses (represented by employers), and society (represented by job seekers and employees). It is found that the supply of digital competencies significantly exceeds the demand in the labor market. This may be due to the narratives operating in society, among other things. It is revealed that the interest of the Russian society in the digital transformation of the economy remains significant, while the interest of the population in individual narrative components varies in the regions. It is determined that soft skills prevail among the key competencies of economic transformation. It is established that regions with dominating manufacturing industries have a greater propensity for digital transformations: Sverdlovsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov, Chelyabinsk regions, Perm and Krasnoyarsk territories, the Republic of Tatarstan.Conclusion. Territories with extractive industries are still not prone to innovative transformations. At the same time, the population of such territories is more stressed and resistant to innovations. The obtained results are the first step in digital transformation research from the perspective of a narrative approach. This study will be useful for scientists and specialists in the field of narrative economics, as well as for those who are interested in digital transformation issues.