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http://www.production.periodikos.com.br/article/doi/10.14488/1980-5411.20250098
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Systematic Review

Pathways to sustainability in Industry 4.0: insights from a systematic literature review

Mario Vinicio Garcia; Danilo Hisano Barbosa; Syntia Lemos Cotrim; José Maria Ponce-Ortega

http://dx.doi.org/10.14488/1980-5411.20250098 Production, vol.36, e20250098, 2026
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Abstract

Paper aims: In response to the growing digitalization of industry and the demand for sustainable production, this study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to examine how Industry 4.0 contributes to sustainability across the economic, environmental, and social dimensions. The paper aims to identify trends, barriers, and impacts related to the adoption of emerging Technologies such as IoT, AI, and Big Data, with particular attention to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Originality: This study introduces the IRIS Framework (Industry 4.0 for Integrated Sustainability), an integrated model designed to assess and guide sustainable Industry 4.0 practices across five dimensions: environmental, economic, social, governance, and technological. The framework operates through a four-stage cycle: Diagnose, Design, Execute, and Evaluation (DDEE), ensuring a responsible and sustainable digital transition.

Research method: The inclusion criteria comprised the study, which reviewed 1,123 articles from the Scopus, Web of Science, and Emerald Insight databases. A temporal filter was applied, restricting the analysis to articles published between 2015 and 2024, to capture the most recent developments related to Industry 4.0 and sustainability. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 56 studies were selected for in-depth analysis, providing a comprehensive, evidence-based synthesis of the literature.

Main findings: The results show that Industry 4.0 can enhance industrial sustainability when supported by inclusive strategies, effective governance, and continuous performance monitoring. However, the findings also reveal a digital paradox: technological advancements simultaneously generate sustainability benefits and new environmental, economic, and social challenges. The IRIS Framework offers practical guidance for companies and policymakers, aligning technological innovation with sustainability goals.

Implications for theory and practice: The study advances theoretical understanding of the intersection between Industry 4.0 and sustainability and provides a practical tool to support sustainable management across diverse industrial contexts.

Keywords

Industry 4.0, Sustainability, Circular economy, Social technologies, PRISMA

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Submitted date:
11/11/2025

Accepted date:
06/27/2026

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