The impact of the internet of things on corporate sustainability in the Industry 4.0 era: A systematic literature review

Abstract

The digital transformation driven by Industry 4.0 has profoundly changed the way organizations approach sustainability and operational efficiency. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cloud Computing have fostered the transition towards more responsible production and management models. These innovations not only enable real-time, data-driven decision-making, but also optimize resource use, reduce waste, and improve energy efficiency. By anticipating failures, minimizing unplanned maintenance, and refining processes, organizations strengthen a more resilient, competitive, and environmentally responsible management model. They also promote safer and healthier work environments, contributing to social well-being as an essential component of sustainable development. This study conducts a systematic literature review following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with the analysis of more than 45 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. The search was carried out in the Web of Science (WoS) database using Boolean algorithms to identify the most relevant and recent contributions. From this analysis, a conceptual framework is proposed to synthesize the main findings, benefits, and challenges related to the integration of IoT into corporate sustainability strategies. The results show that the convergence between digital technologies and the principles of sustainable development promotes more ethical, flexible and environmentally aligned corporate management, allowing organizations to adapt to the demands of the Industry 4.0 era and consolidate responsible and competitive production models.