Industry 5.0 Drivers Analysis Using Grey-DEMATEL: A Logistics Case in Emerging Economies

Abstract

The terms “Industry 5.0” and “smart logistics” have recently emerged as key concepts within the field of logistics. Nevertheless, the interconnection between these two concepts has been less extensively examined in academic literature, particularly in the context of emerging economies. In the contemporary business context, the logistics industry is seeking to advance sustainable development through the implementation of Industry 5.0. However, the industry is still in its nascent stages of realizing the transformation of smart logistics. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to identify the key drivers of Industry 5.0 in relation to the advancement of smart logistics in the logistics industry in emerging economies. In this study, the initial screening and identification of 15 core drivers was conducted using the fuzzy Delphi method. This involved the collation of the relevant literature and the collection of opinions from experts in the field. The identified drivers were then classified into three groups: sustainability, people-centricity, and resilience. Subsequently, the study adopted the Grey-DEMATEL method, which combines grey system theory with the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technology. This approach enables the effective resolution of complex system issues characterized by uncertainty and incomplete information, facilitating the identification of causal relationships between the drivers and the construction of a centrality–causality outcome diagram. The study identified two key drivers: “government support policies” and “logistics standardization and infrastructure development”. This study represents a preliminary investigation into the ways managers, practitioners and policy makers can leverage Industry 5.0 to advance the field of smart logistics within the logistics industry.