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Integrating Industry 4.0, Circular Economy, and Green HRM: A Framework for Sustainable Transformation

Author

Listed:
  • Rubee Singh

    (Department of Management Studies, Kumaun University, Nainital 263001, India
    Institute of Business Management, GLA University, Mathura 281406, India)

  • Amit Joshi

    (Department of Management Studies, Kumaun University, Nainital 263001, India)

  • Hiranya Dissanayake

    (Department of Accountancy, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Lionel Jayathilaka Mawatha, Kuliyapitiya 60200, Sri Lanka)

  • Anuradha Iddagoda

    (Management Science Unit, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka)

  • Shahbaz Khan

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia)

  • Maria João Félix

    (Design School, Polytechnic University Cavado Ave, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal)

  • Gilberto Santos

    (Design School, Polytechnic University Cavado Ave, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal)

Abstract

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, Circular Economy (CE) principles, and Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) offers transformative potential to address global sustainability challenges. Industry 4.0, characterized by advanced digital technologies like IoT, Additive Manufacturing (AM), and Big Data Analytics (BDAA), enhances operational efficiency, resource optimization, and waste minimization. Concurrently, CE redefines economic models through resource conservation, lifecycle extension, and reduced environmental impact, supported by frameworks like ReSOLVE. GHRM aligns human resource practices with sustainability objectives, fostering Green behaviors and embedding environmental considerations into organizational culture. Despite the individual benefits of these frameworks, their combined application remains underexplored, with limited research on their systemic integration. This study addresses this gap by examining the synergies between Industry 4.0 technologies, CE principles, and GHRM strategies, identifying opportunities and challenges in their implementation. A theoretical model is proposed, emphasizing systemic innovation, resource efficiency, and collaborative value chains as key enablers of sustainable development. The model highlights the necessity of aligning technological advancements with human-centric approaches to overcome behavioral, organizational, and infrastructural barriers in transitioning toward sustainability. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers and industry leaders, outlining strategies for integrating Industry 4.0 with CE and GHRM to drive sustainability transitions. By synthesizing technological, environmental, and human resource dimensions, this research contributes both theoretically and practically, positioning organizations to enhance sustainability while maintaining competitiveness in evolving economic landscapes.

Suggested Citation

  • Rubee Singh & Amit Joshi & Hiranya Dissanayake & Anuradha Iddagoda & Shahbaz Khan & Maria João Félix & Gilberto Santos, 2025. "Integrating Industry 4.0, Circular Economy, and Green HRM: A Framework for Sustainable Transformation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3082-:d:1624719
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rehman, Shafique Ur & Giordino, Daniele & Zhang, Qingyu & Alam, Gazi Mahabubul, 2023. "Twin transitions & industry 4.0: Unpacking the relationship between digital and green factors to determine green competitive advantage," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    2. Alan Murray & Keith Skene & Kathryn Haynes, 2017. "The Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of the Concept and Application in a Global Context," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 140(3), pages 369-380, February.
    3. Gianmarco Bressanelli & Federico Adrodegari & Daniela C. A. Pigosso & Vinit Parida, 2022. "Towards the Smart Circular Economy Paradigm: A Definition, Conceptualization, and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-20, April.
    4. Walker, Richard M. & Chen, Jiyao & Aravind, Deepa, 2015. "Management innovation and firm performance: An integration of research findings," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 33(5), pages 407-422.
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