Economic Practices Research Articles

The use of ice in economic and sociocultural practices of the population of Yakutia: traditions and modernity

The historical evolution of practices associated with the use of ice by the population of Yakutia in the period from mid-19th century until the present is being examined. The application of principles laid down in cryosophy and cryoanthropology, suggesting an increased interest in the “cold matters” of the Earth and in traditions of using their resource potential by indigenous peoples of the northern territories, became the methodological ground for the development of the topic. The research is based on the involvement of a complex of source materials, prima-rily including individual topics presented in ethnographic works, documents from archives of Irkutsk, Moscow, Olekminsk, Saint-Petersburg and Yakutsk, museum exhibits, and also the author’s field materials collected in 2017–2023 in various administrative regions (uluses) of Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and in the city of Yakutsk. The carried-out work made it possible to demonstrate the practices of ice exploitation as an important adaptation mechanism for the population of the region. In this regard, it has been noted that ice played a significant role in satisfying a range of sanitary and hygienic needs; it acted as a construction and thermal insulation material, and was an essential component of economic practices, widely used in fishing, agriculture, logging and livestock rea-ring. It has been established that the ways of using ice have evolved significantly towards the present. In general, a decrease in the variety of applications and the importance of ice for the population of Yakutia has been re-vealed. At the same time, it has been concluded that ice remains critically important for providing the rural popula-tion of Yakutia with drinking water. At the same time, an increase in the leisure potential of ice exploitation has been observed; in combination with other cryogenic processes and phenomena, its position as one of the brands of the region is strengthening.

Positions of China and Brazil On De-Dollarization of International Economic Relations and Prospects for Creating a New World Currency

The paper is devoted to the consideration of the PRC and Brazil stances on the de-dollarization of international economic relations and the expansion of the practice of international payments in national currencies. The use of currencies other than the dollar is seen a logical starting point towards liberating the economic relations of the non-Western world from the pressure of the collective West. This pressure, implemented largely due to the fact, that dollar maintains the function of a world currency (according to K. Marx — “world money”), is aimed to tie economic policies and practices of US counterparties, including China and Brazil, to the American currency as a means of manipulating the world economic interests of other countries. The issue of creating international currency units alternative to the dollar is increasingly being raised in political and academic communities. China and Brazil are members of the BRICS forum, which currency’s creation is widely discussed at the international level. The author believes that the likelihood of creating such a currency is now low due to the peculiarities of the global financial and political situation, as well as the insufficient degree of integration within the BRICS itself. If the creation of a new currency (within the framework of a non-Western international structure) begins, then one of the ways of this is the formation of a currency basket in which the yuan can receive the greatest weight. However, the most achievable way of dedollarization seems a broad transition to the use of national currencies in global trade, investment and lending. The next step may be to create not a currency, but a special international unit of account, what is easier to do.

Sustainable Construction Practices in Building Infrastructure Projects: The Extent of Implementation and Drivers in Malawi

Sustainable practice is considered a significant practice in modern construction for infrastructure development as it promotes economic growth and improves quality of life. Despite the importance of sustainable practices in construction, few studies have explored the implementation of these practices in low-income countries like Malawi. Therefore, this study aims to assess the extent of the implementation of sustainable construction practices (SCPs) in building infrastructure projects in Malawi. Following an in-depth literature review, 22 sustainable construction practices and 13 drivers were identified. A survey of 193 construction professionals was conducted, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII). The findings revealed that economic practices such as efficient allocation of resources, use of quick construction tools and a coordinated supply chain in the construction process are widely implemented with emphasis on the economic aspect of sustainability for infrastructure projects in Malawi. The study further identified global trends and industry standards, social and health benefits, market demand and awareness and access to green technologies and innovation as the main drivers for adopting and implementing SCPs in Malawi. This study provides policymakers and stakeholders with valuable insights to develop policy regulations that would improve the sustainability performance of infrastructure projects.

Reformulating the Critique of Human Capital Theory

ABSTRACTDespite criticism, human capital theory (HCT) has remained central for six decades to the teaching and practice of economics. This paper reformulates the critique of HCT, focusing on two aspects that are typically relegated to the margin. The first of these is the pervasive presence of the external effects of learning, which is paid lip service in formal expositions of HCT but marginalized in the bulk of empirical work and policy advice. Similarly, marginalized are the social determinants of education demand. We show that the embedding of HCT in methodological individualism makes impossible the incorporation of key, non‐peripheral factors that affect the demand for, and effects of education. The resultant tensions from the use of an individualistic methodology to explain inherently social phenomena have been accommodated within HCT by ignoring them. The outcome is problematic in important fields of socioeconomic inquiry, several examples of which are noted in this paper. We conclude by advocating a new research agenda and revised program for the training of economists concerned with learning that includes behavioral economics, applications to education of the capability approach, and an expansion of empirical research on the external effects of education in historical and contemporaneous contexts.

A PRISMA‐Based Systematic Review on Economic, Social, and Governance Practices: Insights and Research Agenda

ABSTRACTThe article synthesizes existing research on economic, social, and governance (ESG) practices and explores their impact on corporate sustainability and financial outcomes. A systematic literature review (SLR) followed PRISMA guidelines, analyzing 85 peer‐reviewed articles from high‐quality journals indexed in Scopus. The results reveal that robust governance mechanisms—such as board diversity, strategic integration of ESG criteria, and effective risk management—are key drivers of enhanced ESG performance and corporate profitability. However, the findings also highlight significant gaps in current knowledge, particularly regarding emerging concepts like green innovation, ESG controversies, and digital transformation. The study concludes that further research is needed to develop a more nuanced understanding of how different governance structures and ESG practices interact and to provide clearer guidance for policymakers and corporate managers in fostering sustainable business practices.

Деінституціоналізація корпоратизму в радянській економіці та її наслідки для економіки сучасної України

The article is devoted to the study of the Soviet period of Ukraine’s economy, in particular the transformation of institutions in the absence of Ukrainian statehood. The subject of the study is corporatism as a mechanism for coordinating and implementing the interests of the state, society and business in different economic systems: the command-administrative and market ones. The aim of the article is to identify the main factors of the deinstitutionalization of corporatism in the Soviet economy and to clarify their impact on the modern economy of Ukraine. General scientific methods of interdisciplinary research, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction and a systemic approach are used in generalizing economic trends and determining cause-and-effect relationships. It is argued that the ideology of Bolshevism was the basis for changing the economic system, on whose basis the transformation of economic institutions in the command-administrative economy was carried out. The author reveals the content and mechanisms of the nationalization of the economy, the degeneration of formal institutions of corporatism and their use to restrict economic freedom and suppress civil society, which contradicts the very idea of corporatism as a union of equals. The importance of excluding national interests from economic consciousness and practice is emphasized, as evidenced in particular by the inefficiency of the allocation and use of Ukraine's productive resources. The article established the consequences of the deinstitutionalization of corporatism in the Soviet period for the economy of modern Ukraine, namely: high concentration of property, monopolism, the inability of large industry to self-sustainable development, the lack of concentration of capital in high-tech industries, and the lack of social partnership. The conclusion is made about the replacement of corporatism by bureaucratic corporatism in the Soviet period of Ukrainian history and its further transformation into oligarchic corporatism in the 90s of the 20th century.

Anthropomorphic and Zoomorphic Clay Statuettes of the Kura-Araxes Tradition: Case from the Settlement Harich, Armenia

Abstract During the emergence and expansion of the Kura-Araxes tradition in the South Caucasus, there was a notable advancement in architectural solutions and economic practices. This period also witnessed significant progress in pottery craftsmanship, leading to the creation of diverse clay objects, as well as the appearance of zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figurines in various cultural sites of this era. The Early Bronze Age settlement of Harich in northeastern Armenia is the so far known largest center of accumulation of these statuettes, where 347 zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figurines were found. These figurines provide valuable insights into the lifestyle and beliefs of the people of that era and serve as a significant resource for unraveling the Kura-Araxes tradition.

Urban political ecologies of sewage surveillance: Creating vital and valuable public health data from wastewater

AbstractWith the outbreak of COVID‐19, wastewater surveillance for public health rapidly emerged and expanded globally. In this article we chart the variegated ecosystem of private firms that work closely with public and non‐profit entities to transform metabolic flows of sewage into vital and valuable bioinformation, thereby creating new multi‐institutional spaces of public health governance. We draw on literature in urban political ecology and political economy to ask: what are the emerging political economic actors, practices, and relations of wastewater surveillance? And how are emergent multi‐institutional public‐private partnerships and contracts transforming public health governance? To answer these questions, we use mixed qualitative methods to trace the field across North America, the Middle East and South Asia. Drawing on interviews, document and report reviews, financial reporting and observation at conferences, we find that these emerging public‐private partnerships present concerning transformations in health governance where profits displace public health needs, proprietary technologies blackbox public health decisions, and vulnerable populations are experimented on for prototyping technology. Our work contributes to renewed interest in urban political ecology's analysis of metabolism by tracing how, during health crises and their aftermath, public and private actors are together reconfiguring flows of waste, labour and technology to unlock new metabolic reservoirs of bioinformation.

Group-differentiated rights for Indigenous communities that straddle borders

ABSTRACT This paper examines the normative justification for special rights for Indigenous peoples whose traditional territories straddle contemporary international borders. Examining the Mohawks of Akwesasne (Quebec, Ontario, and New York state) and the Tohono O’odham (Arizona and Sonora, Mexico) as cases, I demonstrate how state claims to territorial jurisdiction and border regulation often interfere with the lives of Indigenous people whose social, cultural, economic, spiritual and political practices and relationships cluster across contemporary international boundaries. Through the concept of group occupancy interests, I argue that members of Indigenous nations whose territories straddle borders possess special rights to access and use lands presently claimed by states of which they are not recognized citizens. Moreover, I demonstrate how border-straddling Indigenous nations challenge the unlimited sovereignty of contemporary states with respect to border policy: the occupancy and self-determination interests of Indigenous peoples may ground the moral rights of their communities to co-manage international border crossings with states. Finally, I argue that collective interests in cross-border political identities and self-determination can ground the rights of Indigenous peoples to form unified cross-border jurisdictional units that demand recognition by states, alongside the rights of Indigenous peoples to regulate group membership.

Industrial Carbonate Production with Ornamental Stone Quarry Waste: From the Waste Pile to Final Product

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the utilization of ornamental stone quarry waste and its transformation into industrial carbonate production, aiming to promote circular economy practices in mining. Theoretical Framework: This research is grounded in concepts of sustainable waste management and circular economy in the mining sector, emphasizing theories related to waste transformation into valuable industrial products. Method: The methodology included technical visits to a quarry and a processing plant, where extraction, storage, and processing practices of waste were observed and documented. Data collection involved interviews with production teams and 3D modeling of mining areas. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that quarry waste from ornamental rock production can be used to produce carbonates of various particle sizes, suitable for applications in the construction, thermoplastics, and other industries. The analysis highlighted the feasibility of converting mining waste into high-value materials, contributing to the sustainability of the sector. Research Implications: This research provides practical insights into how mining waste can be efficiently managed and repurposed, promoting a more sustainable approach to waste management. Originality/Value: The study contributes by demonstrating and documenting the utilization of waste materials, showcasing their applications across diverse sectors, and reinforcing the economic and environmental benefits of circular economy practices in mining.

Decentralization and diaspora capture: transnationalism, autocracy, and hybrid power in federal Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This article analyzes how transnational actors navigate the tensions between federal policy, more localized power structures, and informal forms of authority in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State (SRS). The concept of ‘diaspora capture’ foregrounds the efforts of state officials and transnational elites to take control of processes through which diaspora identities and patterns of coordination are formed and negotiated within webs of kinship and economic relations. Somali social structure has often been described as essentially ‘stateless’ or democratic to the point of anarchy, and Somali transnationalism is marked by webs of kinship-based reciprocity and informal economic practice. Nevertheless, we show that in eastern Ethiopia, post-conflict diaspora engagement since 2010 is characterized by persistent efforts of government elites and diaspora actors to gain influence over each other, reshaping the transnational terrain. We argue for more attention in transnational studies to how the conflicts and tensions between national or federal policy environments and subnational authority structures can create new fields of transnational interaction and unexpected collaborations between local governments (including autocratic ones) and diaspora constituents.

Financial Performance of Emerging Circular Economy Enterprises in Rural Areas of South Punjab

Financial performance of emerging Circular Economy (CE) enterprises in rural South Punjab is examined from the standpoint of CE practices impact on revenue growth, profitability, cost savings and financial sustainability. Structured surveys and financial records were obtained from 150 small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) from across sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, and manufacturing. It shows that most enterprises implementing Circular Economy practices with waste reduction/recycling and renewable energy among the most widely adopted practices report positive financial outcomes from the adoption. In particular, 60% of enterprises had revenue growth, 55% increased profitability and 45% generated cost savings of 20–25%. Circular Economy adoption is shown through regression analysis to be significantly positively related to improved financial performance, with the most effective drivers being waste reduction and renewable energy use. However, limited access to capital, poor technical expertise, and weak waste management infrastructure remain key barriers. However, there are also opportunities including access to local agricultural waste, lower labor costs and increasing demand for sustainable products which can be strong inducements for more Circular Economy adoption. The ability of Circular Economy practices to improve the financial sustainability of rural enterprises in tandem with environmental and economic resilience is underlined in the study.

Optimal ordering for Product-as-a-Service models with circular economy practices

The Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) model offers the opportunity to implement circular actions such as repairing, reusing, collecting end-of-life products, and recycling. However, adopting circular practices causes more complexities in managing the inventory flow due to repetitive product subscriptions. Accordingly, this paper aims to optimise a PaaS model's order quantity and profit, considering circular economy practices and various quality levels for subscription products. In the proposed model, the subscription firm defines a quality check and repair procedure at the end of each quality period before sending the product to another subscriber. Moreover, the firm recycles end-of-life products and sells the recycled material to the supplier. This study aims to compare a closed-loop PaaS model with the traditional economic order quantity model in terms of operational costs, revenue, and inventory flow. The results show that factors such as the difference between the demand rates of the consecutive periods, the relationship between the recycling capacity and the final collection rate, and the difference between the screening and demand rates have essential roles in alleviating the extra inventory costs related to circular economy actions like reusing, repairing, and recycling.

Reverse logistics and sustainability in the supply chain: global strategies and policies for reintegrating products into the economic cycle

This theoretical paper explores the global reverse logistics strategies and policies that drive and foster sustainability in the supply chain, examining the reintegration of products into the economic cycle. With the advancement of circular economy practices and increased environmental regulations, reverse logistics is taking on a critical role in waste reduction and resource efficiency. The research analyzes product reintegration models and discusses their implications for companies seeking to align their operations with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a systematic literature review, the article identifies theoretical gaps, highlighting the need for more robust performance metrics and integrated approaches across sectors and regions for reverse logistics policies. Contributions include a framework for assessing the impact of reverse logistics practices and strategic recommendations for more coherent global policies. These perspectives aim to provide robustness for future research and for the implementation of more sustainable supply chains. This theoretical analysis not only sheds light on current practices but also addresses the transformative potential of reverse logistics in building resilient, resource-efficient supply chains. Ultimately, the study advocates for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to bridge existing theoretical and practical divides in sustainable logistics.

Perspektif Akuntansi dalam Ekonomi Islam

In several ways, the sharia accounting system is different from conventional accounting. However, there are axiomatic technical similarities between the two. By using descriptive qualitative methods, this research aims to provide the author with an understanding of accounting theory and practice in Islamic economics. The research results show that the perspective of accounting science in Islamic economic practice focuses on the use of an accounting system that is in accordance with sharia principles, which prioritizes truth, accuracy and fairness. Surah Al-Baqarah verse 282 emphasizes clear and accurate transaction recording, the use of honest writers, financial accountability, zakat, and transparency and fairness in accounting. The results of this research conclude that there are many ways to see the economic implications of Islam today. First, Islamic economics must adapt to technological changes because they have influenced the way people think and act. Second, the history of Islamic economics has changed in the modern era, and third, Islamic economics is now real and relevant with the development of digital technology. Fourth, the concept of Islamic economics is based on the Koran and Sunnah. Compared to Conventional Accounting: Sharia accounting systems differ from conventional accounting in several key aspects. However, there are axiomatic technical similarities between the two.

Hazard Study of Sludge from Mining Wastewater Treatment Systems (Tailings), Accumulation of Contaminants and Potential Utilization Proposals

The increase in gold mining activities has led to a substantial rise in tailings generation, which carry distinct physicochemical and microbiological properties. This study aimed to evaluate the hazardous characteristics of mining tailings using the CRETIB (corrosivity, reactivity, explosiveness, toxicity, ignitability, biological-infectious) methodology. The research analyzed concentrations of heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc, alongside parameters such as pH, cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, and coliform bacteria. Tailings samples were collected from a mine in Ponce Enriquez, Ecuador, at the surface and at a depth of 2 m across three monitoring campaigns. The results indicate that the tailings do not exhibit hazardous characteristics according to CRETIB criteria. While arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, and mercury concentrations showed significant differences between the surface and 2 m depth, accumulating at the bottom of the tailings dam by 30–72%, parameters such as pH, cyanide, and hydrogen sulfide were higher at the surface, likely due to volatilization and precipitation effects. Lead did not show significant differences, but also tended to accumulate at depth. These findings suggest that the tailings could be safely utilized in the production of construction materials such as bricks, geopolymer concrete, and fiber cement, promoting circular economy practices and sustainable development in mining.

Evaluating the Liming Potential of Mytilus galloprovincialis Shell Waste on Acidic Soils

The sustainable management of aquaculture by-products is crucial for advancing circular economy practices. Mediterranean mussel shell waste, rich in calcium carbonate, presents a sustainable alternative to conventional liming materials, especially for mitigating soil acidification, a very important and common issue that limits crop productivity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of processed mussel shell waste in enhancing soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient availability. A 180-day pot experiment using highly acidic soil (pH < 4.5) collected from a local field was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design. Treatments involved two grain sizes of mussel shell powder (Fine: <1 mm; Coarse: 1–2 mm) at rates between 0.1 and 6%. Treated soil pH was measured monthly, whereas organic matter, available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K) were measured at the beginning and the end of the experiment. The results revealed significant improvements in pH, organic matter, available phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K), particularly in the Fine Powder treatments. However, total nitrogen (N) remained unaffected. These findings highlight the potential of mussel shells as an eco-friendly and cost-effective amendment, advancing sustainable agriculture and waste recycling, thus contributing to broader conservation efforts by reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture waste and supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience through sustainable resource management.

A decade of operations strategy: research issues and future research directions

Purpose This study aims to systematically review the literature on operations strategy to understand its role in fostering competitive advantage. The literature on operations strategy was summarized using bibliometric analysis, network analysis and content analysis techniques. The bibliometric approaches analyzed 1,070 articles published between January 2013 and December 2023. Additionally, it is supplemented through content analysis by analyzing 60 selected articles in depth. The review identified six major research themes in operations strategy: impact of supply chain integration on operational performance, outsourcing and resource-based view, lean strategy, service operations strategy, operations capabilities and responsive supply chain strategy. The review offers a comprehensive overview of current research and highlights potential areas for future exploration, providing valuable guidance for scholars and practitioners in operations strategy. Also, the review provides insights for operations managers that can be applied to develop effective strategies across various industrial contexts. Design/methodology/approach The main objective of a literature review is to analyze the body of existing knowledge, identify possible research gaps and propose future research avenues (Tranfield et al., 2003). Searching for relevant keywords, discovering pertinent information and then completing the analysis are expected in systematic literature reviews. Tranfield et al. (2003) have provided the guidelines to conduct the literature review in a systematic way, which scholars in the business and management domains increasingly adopt. It consists of three stages as follows: planning the review; conducting the review; and reporting and dissemination. The present study uses these guidelines to organize the literature on operations strategy. Findings This work provides several theoretical and managerial implications by offering a thorough and methodical understanding of the area. It contributes to the corpus of knowledge that provides a frame of reference based on an insightful synthesis of the prior study. It aims to identify future research avenues in the domain of operations strategy. Several research avenues are identified by carefully analyzing the available literature and conducting a robust bibliometric approach combined with network and content analysis techniques. Thus, the current study will be a valuable resource for future scholars interested in learning about and examining this area. Research limitations/implications Continuous research for improvement in the existing system or practice has been the fundamental nature of human beings. Hence, it is pertinent to identify future research avenues for the researchers interested in the area. Despite the extensive studies on operations strategy, certain areas require more investigation. As per the analysis of the literature search of 1,070 articles published in the area, the author suggests future scholars explore the following research avenues: need for conceptual and mixed–method studies; cross-country comparison and generalization; integration with Industry 4.0 technologies; integration with the triple bottom line; and aligning with circular economy. Practical implications A need is created to generate a pathway of aligning operations strategy with the principles of circular economy, requiring future research to address its fundamentals. Potential research questions that could be explored are as follows: How can companies align operations strategy with circular economy principles to minimize waste and improve resource efficiency? How does adopting circular economy practices impact supply chain design and operations strategy? What role do innovation and technology play in integrating circular economy principles into operations strategy? Social implications The proposed research avenues will provide adequate information to operations managers about areas of attention that would fully leverage operations strategy and provide the firm with a competitive advantage. Moreover, integrating their outcomes with Industry 4.0 technologies, particularly emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and the Internet of Things can provide a new direction for operations managers. Furthermore, operations performance can make or break the organization. Performance is not a simple or easy concern; it is multi-faceted in the sense that a single measure can never comprehensively represent it. Several measures will always be needed to evaluate the holistic performance of a firm. Originality/value This work provides several theoretical and managerial implications by offering a thorough and methodical understanding of the area. It contributes to the corpus of knowledge that provides a frame of reference based on an insightful synthesis of the prior study. It aims to identify future research avenues in the domain of operations strategy. Several research avenues are identified by carefully analyzing the available literature and conducting a robust bibliometric approach combined with network and content analysis techniques. Thus, the current study will be a valuable resource for future scholars interested in learning about and examining this area.

Minimizing Waste, Maximizing Sustainability: Analyzing Collaborative Practices Implementation Barriers in the Agri-Fresh Produce Industry

The agri-fresh produce industry confronts problems in minimizing food waste and achieving supply chain sustainability due to its complicated structure and lack of stakeholder participation. Significant food waste at numerous supply chain stages undermines the triple bottom line (Society, economy and environment) and wastes resources. Stakeholder collaboration, research, and information exchange can all help to minimize waste and improve sustainability. This study identifies barriers to implementing collaborative practices through literature analysis and expert insights and categorizes them into seven dimensions: relationship management practice, contractual and economic practice, joint practice, technological and information sharing practice, relationships management practice, and supply chain design practice. Furthermore, the grey-Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (grey-DEMATEL) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) were employed to develop an integrated framework that identifies interrelationships and prioritizes dimensions and attributes. The influence relationship diagraph helps decision-makers make policy recommendations by understanding the cause-effect interrelationships among the dimensions and their corresponding barriers. Finally, sensitivity analysis was performed to ensure that the results are robust and reduce decision-making biases.

The Mediating Role of Circular Economy in the Relationship Between Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Performance in the Manufacturing Industry

ABSTRACTStrong social pressure coupled with a tightening of environmental policies is forcing manufacturing firms to implement improvements in their production processes to reduce industrial waste and their negative impacts on the environment. To achieve this goal, manufacturing firms are increasingly adopting and applying Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and circular economy (CE) practices. However, the literature indicates that the implementation of I4.0 and CE does not always lead to a substantial improvement in the sustainable performance (SP) of manufacturing firms. Hence, this research analyzes how the concurrent adoption of I4.0 and CE impacts the SP of manufacturing firms within the context of Mexico. A research model was developed and validated with a sample of 338 manufacturing companies and by using PLS‐SEM for its analysis and measured I4.0 with 8 items (e.g., systems that integrate the physical world with virtual computational space and interconnecting of small computing devices embedded in products and objects to the internet, enabling the ability to receive and send data), CE with eight items (e.g., there is an environmental commitment by senior management, and there is support for environmental management by midlevel managers) and SP with seven items (e.g., the company's activities enable the transition to a low‐carbon economy, and the company's activities protect and/or restore the environment by focusing on environmental quality aspects and improving resource efficiency) in a research model that proposes four hypotheses that relate the analyzed constructs. The findings reveal that the SP of manufacturing firms increases substantially with the implementation of both Industry 4.0 and CE. Additionally, the results show that the CE plays a mediating role in the relationship between Industry 4.0 and SP. This study theoretically contributes by providing further empirical evidence that demonstrates the connection between I4.0 and CE as well as the mediating effect that CE exerts on the relationship between I4.0 and SP in manufacturing firms. From a practical standpoint, this study contributes by providing manufacturing companies with a better understanding of these relationships, which will help them formulate more effective policies and strategies to support the improvement of their environmental sustainability performance.