Sustainable strategic investment decision-making practices in UK companies : the influence of governance mechanisms on synergy between industry 4.0 and circular economy

Abstract

Prior studies articulate the growing synergy between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and CE techniques. However, the literature lacks empirical evidence regarding boardrooms' commitment to implementing these technological domains through sustainable strategic investment decision-making practices (SSIDMP). This paper uses computer-aided textual analysis to explore the current trend of SSIDMP in UK companies. Our debate draws on data from UK companies, FTSEE ALL Share, over the period (2012−2021). We develop proxies for I4.0 technologies and CE techniques to examine the synergy between I4.0 technologies and CE techniques and the influence of this synergy on companies' financial performance. The findings reveal the vital role the organizational ambidexterity plays in the synergy between I4.0 technologies and CE techniques through exploring and exploiting technological techniques and mechanisms to cope with changing business environment. Our empirical study explores the impact of governance mechanisms on the relationships between SSIDMP, I4.0 technologies, CE techniques, and companies' financial performance. Findings support that synergy between these two domains is the key determinant of sustainable value creation and sustainable organizational performance. The synergy between I4.0 technologies and CE techniques significantly impact SSIDMP and companies' financial performance, though the level of the synergy varies according to industry sectors. Furthermore, our analysis shows that governance mechanisms (ESG, board compositions, risk management, internal audit) strengthen the relationships between these two domains and companies' performance.