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Industrialisation, ecologicalisation and digitalisation (IED): building a theoretical framework for sustainable development

Yongjiang Shi (Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK)
Jialun Hu (School of Business and Management, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK)
David Tianxin Shang (Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK)
Zheng Liu (Cardiff School of Management, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK) (Centre for Innovation and Development, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China)
Wei Zhang (Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China)

Industrial Management & Data Systems

ISSN: 0263-5577

Article publication date: 28 February 2023

Issue publication date: 4 April 2023

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Abstract

Purpose

In the past two decades, manufacturing has witnessed significant transformations alongside ecological challenges. Meanwhile, industrial 4.0 digital technologies have accelerated industrialisation with potentials of innovation in the context of circular economy. However, current concepts and models are fragmented and impractical. This paper aims to develop a holistic view integrating the three bodies of knowledge – industrialisation, ecologicalisation and digitalisation (IED) – in order to achieve sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical literature review is conducted across three bodies of knowledge. Key themes are summarised with the identification of research gaps. A theoretical framework is synthesised and developed aiming to achieve synergy from IED with the modules, integration architecture, mechanism and dynamic paths.

Findings

First, the authors review and develop three conceptual models of ecologicalised industrialisation (IE3), industrial system digitalisation (D1) and digital technology industrialisation (D2) separately. Second, the authors propose a theoretical framework seeking to synthesise the above three conceptual models together to form the IED. Third, the authors design a process orientated abductive approach to improve and validate the IED framework.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited literature addressing the linkage of IED by integration different perspectives to develop theory in a novel way. Practically, it provides important tools for organisations to consider resource cascading in combination with digitalisation during the industrial system design.

Keywords

Citation

Shi, Y., Hu, J., Shang, D.T., Liu, Z. and Zhang, W. (2023), "Industrialisation, ecologicalisation and digitalisation (IED): building a theoretical framework for sustainable development", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 123 No. 4, pp. 1252-1277. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-06-2022-0371

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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