Adopting Digital Technology to Drive Resource Efficiency in Manufacturing
type: CreativeWork
description: Amidst growing concerns over depleting natural resources and escalating waste emissions due to increased global consumption, sustainability has become a critical issue. Consequently, the manufacturing industry, a major contributor to global carbon emissions, faces significant pressure to adopt sustainable practices. To reduce carbon emissions and waste, existing literature contends that resource efficiency is paramount. However, the literature often views resource efficiency as a byproduct of digitalization rather than a primary objective to investigate. Hence, this research seeks to address the central question: How can manufacturers adopt digital technologies to enhance resource efficiency? This study utilizes a qualitative research approach, consisting of 2 focus groups, 6 case studies, and 12 semi-structured interviews with industry experts. Focus groups identified impactful digital technologies for resource efficiency, case studies delved into how these technologies can be effectively adopted, and semi-structured interviews corroborated research findings. This methodological triangulation attempts to offer a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between digital technologies and resource efficiency in the manufacturing sector. From a technological perspective, empirical findings revealed that sensors, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are digital technologies that have a substantial impact on resource efficiency, with the availability of high-quality data being essential. These technologies can empower operational staff with critical insights, leading to more effective decision-making. Automation, particularly via industrial control systems, emerged as a key factor in minimizing human error and further enhancing resource efficiency. From an organizational perspective, the primary barriers to adopting these technologies were identified as inadequate knowledge and skills. Hence, effective change management was deemed essential in overcoming thes…
abstract: Amidst growing concerns over depleting natural resources and escalating waste emissions due to increased global consumption, sustainability has become a critical issue. Consequently, the manufacturing industry, a major contributor to global carbon emissions, faces significant pressure to adopt sustainable practices. To reduce carbon emissions and waste, existing literature contends that resource efficiency is paramount. However, the literature often views resource efficiency as a byproduct of digitalization rather than a primary objective to investigate. Hence, this research seeks to address the central question: How can manufacturers adopt digital technologies to enhance resource efficiency? This study utilizes a qualitative research approach, consisting of 2 focus groups, 6 case studies, and 12 semi-structured interviews with industry experts. Focus groups identified impactful digital technologies for resource efficiency, case studies delved into how these technologies can be effectively adopted, and semi-structured interviews corroborated research findings. This methodological triangulation attempts to offer a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between digital technologies and resource efficiency in the manufacturing sector. From a technological perspective, empirical findings revealed that sensors, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are digital technologies that have a substantial impact on resource efficiency, with the availability of high-quality data being essential. These technologies can empower operational staff with critical insights, leading to more effective decision-making. Automation, particularly via industrial control systems, emerged as a key factor in minimizing human error and further enhancing resource efficiency. From an organizational perspective, the primary barriers to adopting these technologies were identified as inadequate knowledge and skills. Hence, effective change management was deemed essential in overcoming thes…
author: Abubakar, Awwal Sanusi
language: eng
keywords: Digital technologies, Digitalization, Manufacturing, Production, Resource efficiency, Sustainability
license: https://apollo8-f-pro.lib.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/8340c3c9-3586-4088-a78c-b12b52cd5281/download
license: https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/
date published: 2024-01-18
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:24:24Z
provider: Cambridge University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Cambridge

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.17863/CAM.108569