Sustainable logistics and supply chain performance with human–machine collaboration in the context of Industry 5.0: a holistic structural model analysis

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationships between human–machine collaboration (HMC), operational efficiency (OE), resource efficiency (RE), workforce capability (WC), and sustainable logistics and supply chain performance (SLSCP) within the context of Industry 5.0. The main objective is to explain the mechanisms through which these factors jointly contribute to sustainability-oriented logistics and supply chain performance. A structural research model was developed and tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling method. The empirical analysis is based on survey data collected from 118 participants, including both academics and industry professionals operating in Italy, providing both theoretical and practice-oriented perspectives. The results indicate that HMC primarily influences sustainable performance through OE, which acts as a central mediating mechanism linking collaboration practices to both RE and WC. RE emerges as the strongest determinant of SLSCP, particularly through energy savings, waste reduction and circular economy practices. In contrast, WC does not exhibit a significant direct effect on SLSCP, suggesting that its contribution is realised through its integration with operational and technological capabilities. The findings are based on a limited sample size and focus on a single national context. Future studies may expand the model by incorporating cross-country comparisons or longitudinal data to further validate the proposed relationships. The findings suggest that firms should align HMC, process improvement and resource-efficient practices to strengthen SLSCP. This study contributes to the emerging Industry 5.0 literature by proposing and empirically testing an integrated structural model linking HMC, OE, RE, WC and SLSCP. Unlike previous studies that have primarily examined these dimensions in isolation, the proposed model demonstrates how HMC contributes to sustainable performance through interconnected operational and RE mechanisms, providing a more integrated empirical perspective.