The impact of digital technologies on sustainability performance of the supply chains

The integration of digital technologies (DT) with sustainability, referred to as digital sustainability transformation, has become essential for supply chain management (SCM). This study investigates the impact of DT on the sustainability performance (SP) of supply chains (SC) in developing countries, addressing a gap in the literature concerning sustainable supply chain management in emerging economies. Following a literature review and the development of a conceptual framework, this study employed semi-structured interviews across supply chain sectors in Sri Lanka, serving as a sample of a developing country. The findings from interviews indicate that cost is a significant barrier to the integration of DT in sustainability initiatives in SCs. Additionally, another finding revealed that the Internet of Things (IoT) is a widely utilized technology in Sri Lankan SCs for monitoring and measuring sustainability performance, rather than other digital technologies. Furthermore, the findings reveal that some firms perceive sustainability as a public relations or marketing strategy rather than an institutional concept. This study provides a nuanced understanding of SP specific to DT in SCs, offering insights into both positive and negative impact that can influence SCs. The study provides insights into SP specific to DT in SCs, contributing novel perspectives to the literature through a theoretical framework. It offers academics valuable understanding of the interconnections between DT, SP, and SCM, while establishing a foundation for further research in SCM, digital transformation, and sustainable operations. The framework provides guidelines for industry practitioners and policymakers, with findings applicable to developing countries worldwide, addressing common challenges across diverse geographical contexts.