The Confluence of AI and Big Data Analytics in Industry 4.0: Fostering Sustainable Strategic Development

Mengze Zheng (), Te Li and Jing Ye
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Mengze Zheng: Ningbo University of Finance & Economics
Te Li: Dongbei University of Finance & Economics
Jing Ye: Ningbo University of Finance & Economics

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, No 189, 5479-5515

Abstract: Abstract In the era of Industry 4.0, the convergence of digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics (BDA) has revolutionized the industrial landscape. This research paper explores the intricate interplay between AI-assisted BDA and strategic sustainable development (SSD) within the context of Industry 4.0, focusing on Italian manufacturing. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the fusion of physical and digital worlds, has ushered in unprecedented advancements in technology and data analytics. AI-assisted BDA emerges as a powerful tool for harnessing vast datasets to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability strategies. It facilitates predictive maintenance, waste reduction, and optimal resource utilization. Furthermore, it aligns with circular economy principles by optimizing resource flows and promoting responsible sourcing. However, this digital transformation is not without challenges. Data privacy, security concerns, and the digital divide need addressing. Multidisciplinary approaches involving policymakers, academics, and industry leaders are essential to establish ethical norms and ensure inclusivity. The study’s theoretical implications call for a re-evaluation of the existing frameworks surrounding BDA’s role in sustainable development. It highlights the symbiotic relationship between digitization, BDA, and SSD, emphasizing the mediating role of environmental and social governance (ESG). This research underscores the transformative potential of AI-assisted BDA in Industry 4.0, bridging the gap between sustainability and innovation. It paves the way for a future where technology and environmental stewardship coalesce to foster a greener, more sustainable industrial landscape, redefining industry and sustainability in the digital age.

Keywords: Industry 4.0; AI; Big data analytics; Sustainable development; Environmental conservation; Digital transformation; Strategic sustainable development; Industry 4.0 digitization; Environmental social governance; Sustainability initiatives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-02120-7

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