Mapping the role of industry 4.0 technologies in green supply chain management: a bibliometric and structured text analysis
Khouloud Challouf, Abdelkarim Alhloul, Nikoletta Németh
Abstract
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0 (I4.0), is transforming industrial passages globally through the leverage of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data analytics (BDA), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). I4.0 has increased global competition and heightened the demand for sustainable supply chain solutions. Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) has taken on a strategic imperative, evolving from a mere aspect of corporate social responsibility to assume the role of a key enabler of environmental, as well as economic, resilience. This present study seeks to close an important research gap: the lack of in-depth reviews that link various Industry 4.0 technologies with environmental sustainability implications in the realm of supply chain management. A two-phased methodological procedure was followed, integrating bibliometric analysis and structured text analysis. Out of 1962 peer-reviewed documents downloaded from Scopus and Web of Science, 49 highly cited papers were chosen for detailed qualitative analysis. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny were among the tools used to map keyword co-occurrence, co-citation networks, and thematic clusters. The findings show that digital technologies such as IoT, digital twins, blockchain, AI, and cloud computing are key enablers for waste reduction, emissions control, traceability, reverse logistics, and circular economy (CE) activities. The study identifies the key implementation challenges such as integration complexity, lack of digital skills, and high costs. This research stands as the first study to combine structured text analysis with bibliometric mapping through Scopus and WoS databases for a systematic investigation of Industry 4.0 technologies in Green Supply Chain Management. The research establishes an original analytical framework that links digital innovation to sustainable supply chain performance, helping academic researchers and industry professionals.