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Investigating Effects of Digital Innovations on Sustainable Operations of Logistics: An Empirical Study

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  • Zulkaif Ahmed Saqib

    (College of Urban Transportation and Logistics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
    Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518118, China)

  • Luo Qin

    (College of Urban Transportation and Logistics, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
    Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518118, China)

Abstract

The current investigation seeks to investigate the relationship between digital innovations and the sustainability perspectives of logistics operations. Despite the advancement of technologies for sustainable goals, it is evident that the importance of digital innovation is increasing as a means of enhancing sustainable operations. Current research is examining the determinants of digital innovation in small logistics firms. A new theoretical framework is developed based on technology adoption, technology integration, and sustainable operations by following the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory. For this study, data were collected from 540 small logistical firms in China. The covariance-based structural equation modeling technique was used to test the proposed hypothesis. The results from the analysis indicate that technology adoption positively affects the environmental perspectives with coefficients = 0.293, social perspectives with coefficients = 0.461, and economical perspectives with coefficients = 0.461 of sustainable operations. Similarly, technology integration positively affects the environmental perspectives with coefficients = 0.512, social perspectives with coefficients = 0.347, and economical perspectives with coefficients = 0.415 of sustainable operations. In conclusion, the implementation of digital technology for innovation can help firms improve their logistical operations in terms of sustainability, which will deliver a robust business improvement according to this research.

Suggested Citation

  • Zulkaif Ahmed Saqib & Luo Qin, 2024. "Investigating Effects of Digital Innovations on Sustainable Operations of Logistics: An Empirical Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5518-:d:1424505
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    1. Ying Fu & Zhaohan Wang & Yun Wang, 2024. "Green Financial Policy for Fostering Green Technological Innovation: The Role of Financing Constraints, Science Expenditure, and Heightened Industrial Structure," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-26, October.
    2. Mohammad Shamsuddoha & Tasnuba Nasir, 2025. "Smart Practices in Modern Dairy Farming in Bangladesh: Integrating Technological Transformations for Sustainable Responsibility," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-27, January.
    3. Junzhi Zhang & Yuchen Zhang, 2025. "Research on Collaborative Performance of Green Supply Chain Enabled by New Quality Productivity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-23, April.
    4. Aleksandar M. Damnjanović & Milan Rašković & Svetozar D. Janković & Boris Jevtić & Volodymyr N. Skoropad & Zoran D. Marković & Violeta Lukić-Vujadinović & Zoran Injac & Srđan Marinković, 2025. "AI-Enabled Strategic Transformation and Sustainable Outcomes in Serbian SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-33, September.
    5. Arpit Singh & Ashish Dwivedi & Dindayal Agrawal & Surajit Bag & Anurag Chauhan, 2024. "Can sustainable and digital objectives synchronize? A study of ESG activities for digital supply chains using multi‐methods," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(8), pages 8413-8435, December.

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