Interplay of Emerging Industrial Technologies, Ambidexterity, and Sustainability: A Case Study of Textile Sector in Pakistan

Abstract

The global market increasingly demands personalized products and sustainable manufacturing practices, coupled with a digital transformation disrupting the manufacturing industry. Particularly, the manufacturing sector of developing economies encounters significant sustainability challenges across economic, environmental, and social fronts while adopting emerging industrial technologies (EIT). Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Autonomous Robots (AuR), and Mobile Technologies (MT) are the significant EIT that are transforming the shape of industrial process for optimal growth and efficiency. However, this technological transformation may impact the organizational sustainability due to EITs higher capital investment, lack of skilled personnel to operate EIT and EIT dependency on extensive energy consumption. In addition, ambidextrous practices enable industries to navigate disruptive technological shifts. This study aims to quantitatively investigate the impact of EIT on the sustainability of manufacturing industry with the mediation of Organizational Ambidexterity (OA). The textile industry is considered as a case study and the quantitative data from 192 textile professionals was collected using a survey questionnaire and analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS- SEM). The findings reveal a differential influence of EIT on the organizational sustainability dimensions – significant impact in the case of AI, complementary mediation of OA with AuR, competitive mediation of OA for IoT, and fully mediated by OA for MT. The study enriches the dynamic capabilities framework, highlighting OA as essential for effective technological integration to achieve sustainability, contributing directly to SDGs 8, 9, and 12. For practitioners and policymakers, this research offers a strategic roadmap for leveraging EIT aligned with organizational sustainability objectives, advocating for the development of ambidextrous capabilities to navigate implementation hurdles effectively.