Digital transformation for green supply chain innovation in manufacturing operations

Abstract

In the digital era, green supply chain management (GSCM) is undergoing transformations associated with innovation and performance improvements. Manufacturers adopt these innovative GSCM practices, called green supply chain digital transformation (GSCDT), by applying emergent digital technologies to GSCM for specific purposes. This study identifies and develops GSCDT practices with support from the literature and case studies of six manufacturers with operational GSCDT in diversified industries to explore the practice adoption enablers of GSCDT and contingency factors for performance improvement through GSCDT for manufacturers. We analyze the emergence and adoption of GSCDT and find that the practices are: a) unevenly implemented among the five dimensions of GSCM; b) highly reliant on top management to coordinate internal coordination among organizational units; c) more intensive in manufacturing operations with large suppliers; and d) implemented at a higher level for external practices than for internal practices. Our research findings contribute to academic knowledge by unraveling critical factors that affect the digital transformation process in GSCM and managerial insights by identifying pathways for the successful adoption of GSCDT practices.