Table 5 Strategies to overcome barriers... | Emerald Publishing

Table 5

Strategies to overcome barriers to the adoption of technology in socially SSCM

Barriers to the adoption of technology for managing social sustainability in supply chains	Suggested strategies to overcome each barrier
Higher upfront costs	Firms should endeavor to seek grants or subsidies to purchase expensive technology (blockchain, IoT), etc.
Interoperability Issues	Firms should adhere to internationally recognised/adopted standards for data exchange and use middleware to embed with new technology
Reluctant to change	Engage openly with stakeholders at early stages to demonstrate the benefits associated with technology adoption Where applicable, do pilot testing on small-scale projects to build initial trust with stakeholders
Low perceived return on investment	Firms should start with low-cost technology but with a high impact. For example, firms can begin with the implementation of IoT sensors of enhanced sustainable tracking Firms should measure success using robust metrics and criteria, including recycling, waste reduction or improvement in lead times
Lack of adequate training	Firms should arrange training sessions frequently. These sessions should discuss the benefits of technology Firms can partner with technology providers for tailored training programs
Concerns regarding data privacy and quality assurance	Firms should implement robust and strict cybersecurity measures to ensure the encryption of data Firms can use blockchain extensively within their operations to secure data sharing across stakeholders
Cultural misalignment	Train employees on how technology supports supply chain operations rather than replacing humans Use culturally relevant communication to highlight the benefits of technology in social SSCM. Exhibit success stories of how firms have grown using technology Foster a dialogue with stakeholders at all levels within and across firms

Barriers to the adoption of technology for managing social sustainability in supply chains	Suggested strategies to overcome each barrier
Higher upfront costs	Firms should endeavor to seek grants or subsidies to purchase expensive technology (blockchain, IoT), etc.
Interoperability Issues	Firms should adhere to internationally recognised/adopted standards for data exchange and use middleware to embed with new technology
Reluctant to change	Engage openly with stakeholders at early stages to demonstrate the benefits associated with technology adoptionWhere applicable, do pilot testing on small-scale projects to build initial trust with stakeholders
Low perceived return on investment	Firms should start with low-cost technology but with a high impact. For example, firms can begin with the implementation of IoT sensors of enhanced sustainable trackingFirms should measure success using robust metrics and criteria, including recycling, waste reduction or improvement in lead times
Lack of adequate training	Firms should arrange training sessions frequently. These sessions should discuss the benefits of technologyFirms can partner with technology providers for tailored training programs
Concerns regarding data privacy and quality assurance	Firms should implement robust and strict cybersecurity measures to ensure the encryption of dataFirms can use blockchain extensively within their operations to secure data sharing across stakeholders
Cultural misalignment	Train employees on how technology supports supply chain operations rather than replacing humansUse culturally relevant communication to highlight the benefits of technology in social SSCM.Exhibit success stories of how firms have grown using technologyFoster a dialogue with stakeholders at all levels within and across firms

Source(s): Authors’ own work