Optimizing natural resource management and global supply chains through digital innovation

Abstract

This study explores the significant impacts of digitalization on natural resource management and global supply chains, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 on industry innovation and infrastructure and SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production. It highlights the roles of resource management effectiveness (RM) and supply chain efficiency (SC) in adopting sustainable practices across economic, social, and environmental dimensions in diverse nations from developed, emerging, and developing countries. This study employs mixed-method approaches to examine the effects of digital connectivity (DC), technological integration (TI), and investment in innovation (II) against control variables including economic prosperity (EP), regulatory quality (RQ), environmental sustainability (ES), and political stability (PS). The analysis spans data from 2000 to 2022 for RM and from 2007 to 2022 for SC, offering insights into the role of technology across various stages of economic growth within diverse economic frameworks. Through rigorous econometric analysis, including first and second-generation unit root tests and FMOLS models, the study confirms the robustness of DC and TI to improve RM and SC. The findings reveal that a 1 unit increase in both DC and RQ improves RM by 0.484 and 8.404 units and SC by 0.025 and 0.398 units, respectively. The finding also reflects the positive and significant impacts of EP on both RM and SC. The findings further reveal that ES has negative impacts on RM in both short-run and long-run with coefficients of −11.334 and − 6.599, respectively. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders by demonstrating the significant role of digital infrastructure and innovation in achieving operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The findings advocate for targeted policies to align technological advancements with sustainable economic practices, ensuring that digital transformation contributes positively to global economic and environmental goals. Further research is encouraged to explore the comprehensive impacts of digitalization across different economic contexts.