Submit your paper here!

Introduction

Technological advances have shaped the landscape of organizational processes and strategies. The adoption of different technologies has resulted in both challenges and opportunities, which have affected the operations of organizations and their commitment to sustainable development. 

In the current research landscape, researchers and practitioners alike recognize the crucial role that technology plays in driving organizational sustainability. The literature has explored for example how different technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, and Internet of Things can enhance organizational efficiency, reduce environmental footprints, and contribute to overall sustainable practices (Del Río Castro et al., 2021; Guandalini, 2022; Parmentola et al., 2022). 
However, certain gaps exist in our understanding of the interactions between technology adoption and sustainability within organizations. Some areas that require further research include the investigation of socio-technical aspects, the identification of specific contingency factors or challenges faced by organizations in different sectors, and the development of frameworks for measuring the impact of technology on organizational sustainability (Saunila et al., 2019; Guandalini, 2022; Szalkowski and Johansen, 2023). Moreover, while existing research highlights the positive contributions of technology to sustainability, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential negative effects on environmental and social aspects. For instance, the environmental impact of technology production, the ethical considerations related to data privacy, and the potential job displacements due to automation (Dieste et al., 2023; Kinowska and Sienkiewicz, 2023) are research areas that require further research. 

This special issue aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between technology and organizational sustainability. Current research has made significant contributions in the field, but there remains a need for more comprehensive studies addressing socio-technical aspects, specific challenges, contingency factors, and potential negative consequences of technology adoption in attaining higher sustainability performance. Special focus would be the management of organizational processes in technology implementation and how that affects organizational sustainability. We invite academics and practitioners to contribute empirical papers, based on a variety of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Longitudinal research and case studies are encouraged that demonstrate transformation and the diverse impacts of technology on the sustainability initiatives of organizations.

 

List of topic areas 

• Technological innovations fostering sustainable practices within organizations. 
• The role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics in enhancing organizational sustainability.
• Blockchain technology for transparent and sustainable supply chain management.
• Circular economy adoption and its influence on organizational sustainability. 
• Green technology initiatives and their impact on organizational sustainability. 
• Ethical considerations in the use of emerging technologies for sustainability. 
• Assessing the environmental and social impacts of technology adoption. 
• Challenges and barriers in implementing technology for sustainable development within organizations. 
• The relationship between the circular economy and technology

 

Guest Editors

Minna Saunila, 
Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Finland, 
[email protected]

Federica Cucchiella, 
University of L’Aquila, Italy, 
[email protected] 

Marianna Rotilio, 
University of L’Aquila, Italy, 
[email protected]

 

Submissions Information 

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available by clicking the button below.

Submit your paper here! 

Author guidelines must be strictly followed. 

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”. 

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal. 

 

Key Deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: 1 February 2024 
Closing date for manuscripts submission: 31 August 2024

 

References: 

Del Río Castro, G., González Fernández, M. C., & Uruburu Colsa, Á. (2021). Unleashing the convergence amid digitalization and sustainability towards pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A holistic review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 280(1).
Dieste, M., Orzes, G., Culot, G., Sartor, M., & Nassimbeni, G. (2023). The “dark side” of Industry 4.0: How can technology be made more sustainable?. International Journal of Operations & Production Management. 
Guandalini, I. (2022). Sustainability through digital transformation: A systematic literature review for research guidance. Journal of Business Research, 148, 456-471. 
Kamble, S. S., Gunasekaran, A., & Gawankar, S. A. (2020). Achieving sustainable performance in a data-driven agriculture supply chain: A review for research and applications. International Journal of Production Economics, 219, 179-194. 
Kinowska, H., & Sienkiewicz, Ł. J. (2023). Influence of algorithmic management practices on workplace well-being–evidence from European organisations. Information Technology & People, 36(8), 21-42. 
Parmentola, A., Petrillo, A., Tutore, I., & De Felice, F. (2022). Is blockchain able to enhance environmental sustainability? A systematic review and research agenda from the perspective of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Business Strategy and the Environment, 31(1), 194-217. 
Saunila, M., Nasiri, M., Ukko, J., & Rantala, T. (2019). Smart technologies and corporate sustainability: The mediation effect of corporate sustainability strategy. Computers in Industry, 108, 178-185. 
Szalkowski, G. A., & Johansen, C. (2023). Defining and measuring the effects of digital technologies on social sustainability: A systematic literature review. Sustainable Development.