The Nexus of Industry 4.0 and Circular Procurement: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

In the wake of Industry 4.0, circular supply chain management has undergone radical transformations. Organizations have been able to boost their efficiency thanks to incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies such as big data analytics, the internet of things (IoT), blockchain, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, etc., into various supply chain functions. Since circular procurement (CP) is an essential part of circular supply chain management, it can provide fresh chances for organizations to become more efficient and sustainable. With the support of Industry 4.0 technologies, CP can provide extra opportunities for accelerating the shift to the circular economy. Although research into the intersection of procurement and Industry 4.0 continues to advance, no review study has examined the implications of Industry 4.0 in CP. Therefore, this research aims to address this knowledge gap by systematically reviewing the existing literature about the applications of Industry 4.0 technologies in CP. A total of 89 journal articles were selected from Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify the themes discussed and set an agenda for future research. A conceptual framework is also developed to evaluate the antecedents, enablers, and performance outcomes of Industry-4.0-enabled CP. Finally, the review concludes by highlighting the theoretical and practical implications.