Industry 4.0 technologies as enablers of collaboration in circular supply chains: a systematic literature review

Close and novel forms of collaboration among supply chain stakeholders within and beyond industry boundaries are essential for implementing a circular economy. Industry 4.0 technologies, as recognised enablers for circular systems, can support such collaboration. This study explores the intersection of the circular economy, supply chain collaboration, and Industry 4.0. First, we derive an analytical framework that contextualises circular supply chain collaboration. Second, based on this framework, we conduct a systematic literature review that explores how Industry 4.0 technologies can enable collaboration mechanisms. The review shows that information sharing and joint planning and decision-making are the most common collaboration mechanisms studied. Simultaneously, the Internet of Things, Blockchain, and Cloud Systems are the most discussed technologies to enable those mechanisms. The most prominent review sample patterns are synthesised into three archetypes for Industry 4.0-enabled circular supply chain collaboration. Furthermore, the study derives nine promising questions for future research along six main dimensions: Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence, joint knowledge creation and innovation, collaboration in product design and planning, systemic collaboration across industry boundaries, contextualisation with barriers for implementing circular supply chains, and transferability of applications across industries.