A Conceptual Framework of the Technological Integration of Industry 4.0 with Sustainability Concepts

Leonel Patrício (), Leonilde Varela and Zilda Silveira
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Leonel Patrício: Department of Production and Systems, Algoritmi/LASI, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
Leonilde Varela: Department of Production and Systems, Algoritmi/LASI, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
Zilda Silveira: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sao Carlos School of Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 13566-590, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-30

Abstract: This article presents a systemic framework for integrating Industry 4.0 technologies with sustainability practices, structured around three strategic pillars: technological selection, technological integration, and sustainability assessment. To support its development, a systematic literature review was conducted, applying the PICO methodology (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to ensure structured and reproducible research, and following PRISMA guidelines to guarantee methodological transparency and rigor. Relevant studies focusing on Industry 4.0 and sustainability integration were identified, analyzed, and synthesized. The proposed framework comprises five iterative stages—diagnosis, selection and prioritization, integration, assessment, and continuous improvement—complemented by practical guidelines to facilitate implementation across diverse organizational contexts, including administrative, financial, and human resources departments. It enables organizations to select appropriate technologies, evaluate multidimensional sustainability impacts, and align innovation with environmental, economic, and social objectives, providing a structured roadmap for decision-making. Comparative analysis with selected literature highlights that the framework fills existing gaps in systemic integration, multidimensional assessment, and iterative adaptation. Although conceptual, it integrates literature review insights and three illustrative case studies, offering a practical pathway for sustainable technological adoption. Future research should focus on empirical validation and metric development to consolidate its applicability across industrial sectors.

Keywords: sustainable design; green technologies; industrial resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:22:p:10160-:d:1793908

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