Exploring the Impact of Industry 4.0 Information Technologies on Supply Chain Responsiveness: A Dynamic Capabilities Theory Perspective

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive review of the current literature on supply chain (SC) responsiveness capabilities enabled by Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, focusing on flexibility and agility as core dimensions. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, identifying 237 studies that addressed SC flexibility and 206 that addressed agility. The findings reveal distinct interrelationships between specific I4.0 technologies and SC responsiveness capabilities, highlighting the need for an integrated perspective beyond isolated technological applications. Drawing on dynamic capabilities theory, this work proposes a novel conceptual framework that systematically maps enabling I4.0 technologies to the sensing, seizing, and transforming processes underpinning SC agility and flexibility. In doing so, the study identifies critical research gaps and offers a structured foundation for future empirical and theoretical developments. The proposed framework enhances understanding of the synergistic potential of I4.0 technologies and supports strategic decision-making in SC digital transformation.