Achieving circular economy via the adoption of industry 4.0 technologies: A knowledge management perspective

The chapter discusses the relationship between knowledge management, circular economy strategies and investments in Industry 4.0 technologies. Based on an empirical analysis of about 200 Italian manufacturing firms adopting such technologies, the chapter maps the knowledge implications of adoption comparing firms that achieved and did not achieved sustainability results, with a special focus on circular economy. Results highlight that environmental sustainability is often an unexpected, non-planned result of the adoption, and that sustainability outcomes entail more often the adoption of robotics and augmented reality technologies. Interestingly, adoption resulting in sustainability outcomes is more likely when the technology is adopted in the production process. Stronger intra-firm collaboration and engagement with customers is also more likely to take place for green adopter. Few differences emerge if comparing circular with eco-efficiency-oriented outcomes.