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Riding towards sustainable development in Industry 4.0: Learnings from a case of the bicycle manufacturing company

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  • Nirmal, Deepak Datta
  • Gumte, Kapil
  • Sohal, Amrik S.

Abstract

The present study conducts case study-based research on a leading bicycle manufacturing company to recognize effective sustainable practices and several enabling and impeding factors. It examines how the crucial enabling factors affect the sustainable practices-performance relationship in the Industry 4.0 era. In doing so, this study uses the “situation, actor, process - learning, action and performance” (SAP-LAP) model and Practice-Based View (PBV) for an in-depth inquiry of the case company. The uniqueness of the current study lies in developing a practice-based theoretical framework that helps in achieving sustainable performance and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings of the study revealed the importance of several practices such as top management commitment towards sustainability, ethical business practices, community development and wellness, compliance with the labour and environmental laws, strategic investment in Industry 4.0 technologies that help in successful transition towards achieving better sustainable performance and SDGs. Further, this study has enlisted various challenges that obstruct organizations to move towards sustainability such as the lack of support from the leadership, absence of proper cycling infrastructure, and the unwillingness of customers to pay premiums for sustainable products. This study emphasized the importance of sustainable innovations and motivates sustainable entrepreneurs in identifying new opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Nirmal, Deepak Datta & Gumte, Kapil & Sohal, Amrik S., 2025. "Riding towards sustainable development in Industry 4.0: Learnings from a case of the bicycle manufacturing company," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:212:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525000010
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.123970
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