The role of industry 4.0 in advancing sustainability development: A focus review in the United Arab Emirates

In recent years, the widespread adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has significantly enhanced sustainability performance and addressed environmental concerns for companies. These advanced technologies are crucial in driving sustainability and reshaping organizational processes. This study investigates the relationship between Industry 4.0 technologies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The research is considered significant and novel because of its potential to address environmental challenges, foster sustainable economic growth, guide policy decisions, promote innovation, and bridge knowledge gaps in the field. A systematic literature review was conducted utilizing the Scopus database to achieve these objectives. The review process involved defining relevant selection criteria such as SDG1 to SDG17 and Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT), reviewing 138 articles, and employing appropriate analysis methods, including bibliometric analysis and concatenate function. Various visualizations were used to present the research outcomes effectively. The study categorized the SDGs and Industry 4.0 technologies into three levels: 17 Goals, 169 Targets, 241 Indicators, 6 Design Principles, 9 Technologies, and 37 Enablers. By analyzing the publications, the study identified the most and least utilized Industry 4.0 technologies and SDGs in the UAE context. It was discovered that addressing the UAE's food security aligns with SDG 14: Life Below Water, given the country's abundant natural resources. The study highlights key areas of concern and emphasizes the interconnection between SDGs and Industry 4.0 technologies, offering valuable insights for future investigations. Moreover, the findings benefit researchers interested in exploring specific applications within the scope of the study. This study aids in understanding and leveraging the potential role of Industry 4.0 technologies to achieve SDGs.