Exploring the Meta-Synthesis Model of the Green Supply Chain in the Power Industry: An Industry 4.0 and Smart Sustainability Approach
Keywords:
Green Supply Chain, Power Industry, Industry 4, Smart Sustainability, Meta-SynthesisAbstract
The establishment of a green and sustainable supply chain in the power industry particularly in the manufacturing sector of electrical equipment and transmission/distribution facilities plays a vital role in supporting sustainable development and ensuring national energy security. This study aims to analyze and identify the primary and secondary variables of the green supply chain within the framework of Industry 4.0 and smart sustainability in companies producing electrical equipment and infrastructure in Mazandaran Province, Iran. The research employs a meta-synthesis technique combined with the Delphi method. Following the seven-step process of Sandelowski and Barroso (2007), theoretical foundations and prior research published between 2014–2025 (international sources) and 1393–1404 (Persian sources) were systematically reviewed. In total, 248 documents were initially identified, from which 34 core studies remained after a rigorous critical appraisal process. Through open, axial, and selective coding, five main categories and ten axial codes were extracted, including Smart Ecological Design, Digital Green Processes, Data-Driven Waste Management, AI-Based Green Marketing, and Smart Ecological Governance. The axial codes encompass Ecological Product Design, Eco-Friendly Raw Material Procurement, Ecological Production, Green Procurement, Primary and Secondary Waste Management, Ecological Information Exchange, and Green Marketing Contexts, originating from 46 open codes derived during the synthesis phase.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Shafagh Shariati (Author); Yousef Gholipour Kanani; Fatemeh Harsej (Author)

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