DOI: 10.26650/d3ai.1941036 ISSN: 3062-2697

Digital Sustainability Integration in Logistics: A Unified Framework Combining Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Big Data Analytics

Avni Acar
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This study introduces an integrated conceptual framework for the synergy of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics (BDA) as an enabler of sustainable competitive advantage in logistics systems. While the existing literature has extensively explored these technologies separately, the literature is still inconclusive on how these three technologies together support sustainable logistics. To address this gap, the study is conceptual and adopts a systematic and integrative literature review from 2008 to 2025. Guided by a PRISMA–inspired approach, the research identified 92 articles for review and performed a thematic synthesis. The research finds that digital sustainability is a result of the integration of technologies, rather than a mere effect of their individual contribution. Drawing from the lens of the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities theory, and triple bottom line framework, the research conceptualises BDA (as sensing), artificial intelligence (as seizing), and blockchain (as reconfiguring) as complementary elements that collectively contribute to a higher-level construct called digital sustainability capability, thereby creating a digital sustainability competitive advantage between a firm’s digital resources and its economic, environmental, and social performance. This research contributes to the literature by identifying a theoretical gap among fragmented streams of literature and by conceptualising a system-level view of digital transformation for digital sustainability in the supply chain. The research offers managerial implications for how firms can achieve digital sustainability by aligning their digital initiatives and sustainability objectives. Further, the research also suggests areas for future research, including empirical testing of the conceptualised framework, development of measures to assess the level of digital sustainability capability, and contextually specific explorations.

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