Harnessing Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies for Sustainability: The Mediating Role of Innovation Adoption in Food Manufacturing Sector

The current research investigates the extent to which Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies influence the achievement of sustainability objectives with a concentration on innovation adoption (IA) as mediator. Using survey questionnaires, data were obtained from 219 supply chain, production, and IT managers in the food manufacturing industry in Finland. Employing PLS-SEM, the study finds that 4IR technologies have both a direct and indirect impact on sustainability objectives and innovation uptake. The study concludes that Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain-based technologies increase resource utilisation and decrease waste; they support innovations that create sustainable effects. This research underscores the relationship between technological innovation and organisation in attaining sustainability, insights that would benefit policymakers and leaders interested in the application of 4IR tech for sustainable development.