Resilience Through Low‐Carbon Supply Chain Integration in Industry 4.0‐Led Firms: A Moderated‐Mediation Effect of Supplier Environmental Commitment

Abstract

As global businesses face the difficulties of climate change and the intricacies of Industry 4.0, the demand for resilient supply chains and sustainable practices becomes increasingly urgent. This study examines the effect of parallel mediated external and internal low‐carbon supply chain integration on the resilience of firms influenced by Industry 4.0. We present a resource‐based conceptual framework for mediated external and internal low‐carbon supply chain integration, incorporating the moderating effect of supplier environmental commitment on firm resilience, utilising a quantitative methodology. The study indicates that a supplier's environmental commitment influences a firm's resilience in the integration of a low‐carbon supply chain. Furthermore, findings indicate that external low‐carbon supply chain integration enhances corporate resilience when suppliers display substantial environmental commitment, whereas internal integration is considerably less advantageous. This work advances existing knowledge by elucidating the theoretical interplay of the integration of external low‐carbon supply chains, supplier commitment to environmental sustainability, and resilience within Industry 4.0‐driven enterprises. The study examines the practical implications and suggests potential research avenues to further understanding in this important domain. The results indicate that companies should aim to cultivate supplier relationships and contracts to guarantee environmental management inside the supply chain.