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Reconfiguring Korea’s dual transition: Empirical insights on the role of industry 4.0 technologies

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  • He, Yugang

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on economic and environmental sustainability in South Korea. Utilizing the autoregressive distributed lag bounds-testing approach alongside Kernel-based regularized least squares-based machine learning techniques, this analysis captures both short- and long-run dynamics between a composite Industry 4.0 index and dual sustainability outcomes—adjusted net saving and per capita CO2 emissions. The findings reveal that Industry 4.0 technologies significantly enhance long-term economic resilience while simultaneously reducing environmental degradation. Notably, environmental benefits emerge more immediately, whereas economic gains accrue gradually, reflecting asymmetric transition dynamics. These results underscore that Industry 4.0 technologies serve as structural enablers of sustainability, contingent on coordinated policies such as environmental taxation, green R&D, and trade alignment. The Korean case offers compelling evidence that comprehensive digital strategies can deliver both economic and ecological dividends, providing actionable insights for other late-industrializing economies seeking to harmonize innovation with sustainable development trajectories.

Suggested Citation

  • He, Yugang, 2026. "Reconfiguring Korea’s dual transition: Empirical insights on the role of industry 4.0 technologies," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:84:y:2026:i:c:s0160791x2500274x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103084
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