A conceptual paper on the impact of technological innovations on halal SMEs supply chain performance: a mediating role of sustainability practices

Abstract

In recent times, business environments have witnessed a surge in the usage and adoption of technological innovations to boost sustainability and resilience. This has shaped Malaysian government policies targeted at enhancing strategic or high impact industries where halal SMEs feature prominently. Also, technology and sustainable practice-related challenges hindering the Supply Chain Performance (SCP) of halal SMEs have been identified. However, available studies on halal SMEs do not cover the role of Technological Innovation (TI) on the SMEs’ SCP and the significance of Sustainability Practices (SP) in this relationship. Also, relatively few studies analyse technological innovation in halal SMEs. The objectives of this conceptual paper are: to explore the impact of technological innovation on halal SMEs' supply chain performance and the mediating role of sustainability practice in the practice; and propose a conceptual framework whereby the effects of technological innovations on halal SMEs’ supply chain performances are mediated by sustainability practices. Relevant extant studies in academic journal articles housed in various popular databases, such as Scopus, Emerald, Elsevier, etc., were comprehensively reviewed and incorporated into this study. The proposed model has potential to provide empirical data on the subject areas. The study suggests a tentative research agenda for future studies to achieve halal SMEs’ efficient, flexible, competitive, and sustainable supply chain performance through effective interactions of technological innovations and sustainability practices.