Barriers to digital transformation for circular transition in the cement industry: An emerging economy perspective

Abstract

Despite the critical role of cement manufacturing industries in infrastructure development, its contribution to a significant share of global carbon emissions underscores the urgency of integrating sustainable practices. Digital transformation offers potential to enhance transparency, resource efficiency, and circular economy transitions, yet its implementation faces significant challenges. This study examines the barriers impeding the adoption of digital transformation in the cement manufacturing industry of emerging economies, with particular attention to Bangladesh. Through a systematic literature review and expert validation, seventeen key barriers were identified and assessed using the Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy DEMATEL (IVPF-DEMATEL) method. The analysis highlights “limited flexibility in reverse logistics” and “lack of environmental commitment among top management” as the most prominent barriers, while “reluctance to invest in recycling” and “inefficient management practice” emerge as critical causal factors. The findings provide a structured understanding of the interdependencies among these barriers, enabling policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders to prioritize root causes over symptomatic effects. This research contributes to the limited body of knowledge on digital transformation in the cement sector of emerging economies and offers practical pathways for advancing sustainability through the adoption of digital transformation.