Strategic Decarbonization in Mechatronics Supply Chains: Integrating Digital Technologies and Sustainable Operations

Amir Reza Safari

Authors

Amir Reza Safari Master's student in Mechatronics, Faculty of Modern Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7406-2250

Keywords:

Decarbonization, Mechatronics Supply Chains, Digital Technology Adoption, Sustainable Operations, Supply Chain Integration.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect effects of digital technology adoption, sustainable operations, and supply chain integration on strategic decarbonization in mechatronics supply chains. This quantitative, applied, cross-sectional study was conducted among professionals working in mechatronics-related manufacturing, industrial automation, electronics, automotive components, robotics, control systems, and precision manufacturing companies in Tehran, Iran. Using purposive sampling, 348 questionnaires were distributed and 312 valid responses were retained for analysis. Participants included managers, engineers, supply chain specialists, operations personnel, sustainability experts, logistics professionals, procurement specialists, and information technology staff with at least two years of relevant experience. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring digital technology adoption, sustainable operations, supply chain integration, and strategic decarbonization on a five-point Likert scale. Reliability and validity were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, average variance extracted, indicator loadings, and heterotrait-monotrait ratios. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test direct and indirect relationships, with statistical significance evaluated through bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples. Digital technology adoption significantly predicted sustainable operations (β = 0.61, p < 0.001) and supply chain integration (β = 0.31, p < 0.001). Sustainable operations also significantly predicted supply chain integration (β = 0.45, p < 0.001). Strategic decarbonization was significantly predicted by digital technology adoption (β = 0.18, p < 0.001), sustainable operations (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), and supply chain integration (β = 0.31, p < 0.001). Significant indirect effects were identified through sustainable operations (β = 0.26, p < 0.001), supply chain integration (β = 0.10, p < 0.001), and the sequential pathway through both mediators (β = 0.09, p < 0.001). The model explained 68% of the variance in strategic decarbonization. Strategic decarbonization in mechatronics supply chains depends on the coordinated integration of digital capabilities, sustainable operational practices, and supply chain collaboration, with digital technologies contributing most effectively when translated into operational and interorganizational sustainability mechanisms.

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