Technology adoption in socially sustainable supply chain management: Towards an integrated conceptual framework

This study aims to systematically review existing literature on digital technology adoption for socially sustainable supply chain management (SSSCM) and propose a theoretical framework that outlines the central concepts. A content analysis-based systematic literature review approach was adopted to analyze 49 articles published from 2017 to 2024. The findings of this study identify critical antecedents, barriers, practices, enablers, and outcomes of digital technology adoption for SSSCM. The proposed conceptual model based on technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory captures these relationships among the identified factors and provides insights into how they can support the development of a socially sustainable supply chain. Furthermore, this study explores the potential positive and negative effects of technology adoption for SSSCM. It highlights the opportunities and challenges that arise from using digital technology in SSSCM, such as the emergence of Industry 4.0 and the need to ensure the ethical use of technology. This study is the first comprehensive review of the role of digital technology in SSSCM. The suggested framework offers guidance for upcoming research in this field, outlining the key areas that require further investigation.