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The objective of this panel symposium is to explore and analyse the dynamic interplay between multinational enterprises (MNEs), the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, and the integration of purpose-driven initiatives, such as sustainability and circular economy principles, within global business strategies. The symposium aims to shed light on the challenges, constraints, and hindrances faced by MNEs as they navigate the complex intersection of Industry 4.0 and purpose-driven practices. This panel will be very interactive with the audience as we want to answer as many questions as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world faces a severe planetary crisis marked by increasing pollution, depleting resources, and declining biodiversity, exceeding the Earth's sustainable limits. The circular economy emerges as an alternative, aiming to reduce waste through a closed-loop system, incorporating regenerative solutions, and leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies. However, integrating these concepts disrupts the business landscape, challenging the shift to digitally enabled circular business models. With this paper, based on a multiple case analysis of European and Australian companies, we advance a comprehensive theoretical transition framework encompassing three stages: transition, implementation, and optimization. Key triggers, mechanisms, circular economy strategies, and Industry 4.0 technologies along the circular economy path are uncovered. We also underscored the role of institutions in developed economies, suggesting a dynamic co-development of institutional and cost-based approaches. We also emphasize the agnostic role of Industry 4.0 technologies as enablers instead of drivers. The framework serves as a strategic tool for practitioners and policymakers, outlining the implications of circular strategies across diverse companies, sectors, and contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing body of literature exploring innovations and digital transformations in the banking sector emphasizes the emergence of competitive business models by FinTechs and digital banks. Despite their significance, commercial banks remain the predominant players. Thus, comprehending how commercial banks assimilate disruptive technologies encompassing Industry 4.0's technological advancements is crucial. This systematic literature review aims to pinpoint the primary strategies commercial banks employ in response to heightened competition and crises. Analysing 238 articles up to 2023, we crafted a conceptual framework resembling a 'spider's web.' This framework illuminates how Industry 4.0 initiates a cohesive digitalization flow. Our findings reveal an interdependent relationship among elements in three distinct groups, underscoring that the success of the digital transformation hinges on banks' comprehensive understanding of these relationships and their adoption of a holistic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our world is currently facing economic challenges, growing populations, resource scarcity, environmental challenges, and social issues. The linear economic model that led to this situation is not sustainable anymore. The circular economy is an emerging concept, and an alternative solution, representing an economic model that strategically reduces waste in a closed-loop system. New technologies of the Industry 4.0 era can potentially enable circular economy principles and facilitate the transition to a circular economy. However, the link between these fields is yet to be widely established and understood. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive systematic overview to contribute to the understanding of circular economy business models and the enabling role of advanced digital technologies. The findings suggest new value chain characteristics, new operations models, and highlight the role of circular design, reverse flows, and collaboration. Merging circular economy and Industry 4.0 underlines that many factors are interrelated and indeed should be combined instead of analysed in siloes. This paper proposes a conceptual model to address how new circular business models can integrate digitally adaptive transformations and to emphasise the need for a more interconnected system. Finally, proposals for future research will be reflected upon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]