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Several disciplines and thousands of studies have used, developed and supported technology adoption theories to guide industry and support innovation. However, within the past decade, a paradigm shift referred to as the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has resulted in new considerations affecting how models are used to guide emerging technology integration into business strategy. The purpose of this study is to determine which technology adoption model, or models are primarily used when assessing smart technologies in the 4IR construct. It is not to investigate the rigour of existing models or their theoretical underpinnings, as this has been proven.

To achieve this, a systematic literature review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis methodology is used. From 3,007 publications, 125 papers between 2015 and 2021 were deemed relevant for thematic analysis.

From the literature, five perspectives were extracted. As with other information and communication technology studies, the analysis confirms that the technology acceptance model remains the predominantly used model. However, 105 of the 125 models extended their theoretical underpinnings, indicating a lack of maturity. Furthermore, the countries of study and authors’ expertise are predominantly clustered in the European and Asian regions, despite the study noting expansion into 16 different subject areas, far beyond the smaller manufacturing scope of Industry 4.0.

This study contributes theoretically by providing a baseline to develop a generalisable 4IR model grounded on existing acceptance trends identified. Practically, these insights demonstrate the current trends for strategists and policymakers to understand technology adoption within the 4IR to direct efforts that support innovation development, an increasingly crucial factor for survival in the digital age. Future research can investigate the additional constructs that were impactful while considering the level of research they were applied to.

As concerns about global warming and environmental degradation have intensified, researchers are trying to create a deeper understanding of country-specific factors that affect environment so that economic growth can be simultaneously achieved. Recently, private equity (PE) has emerged as a significant form of corporate investment worldwide, compelled to reconcile their financial objectives along with the burgeoning demand for sustainable investment practices. However, the nexus between environmental degradation and PE investment at the country level is yet to be explored.

The study uses annual data for 78 developed countries from 2002 to 2020 and 107 developing countries, which have been divided into 54 lower-middle-income and 53 upper-middle-income countries, to explore the relationship between carbon emission, economic growth and PE investment within an energy growth and Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework.

The study finds the existence of the EKC hypothesis for developed, upper-middle-income developing and lower-middle-income developing countries. PE investment reduces environmental degradation by providing investments in cleaner technologies, energy-efficient sources and renewable investments. Better human development index (HDI) reduces carbon emissions, as more education and knowledge involve an understanding of environmental protection. Increased climate risk index increases carbon emissions, and therefore, the study provides insights for policymakers and government to enhance PE investments within a country, which will eventually lead to development of sustainable business practices.

The study is the first of its kind to look into the impact of PE as a source of investment on environmental degradation, incorporating economic growth and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.