Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has brought digital disruptions to supply chains (SC), attracting the attention of researchers and practitioners. This paper presents a theoretical and conceptual approach that explores how technological advances are changing SC processes in the Portuguese ornamental stone (POS) industry. It reveals innovative capabilities within the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model that enhance sustainable performance and contribute to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A systematic literature review links I4.0 capabilities to SCOR processes and assesses their impact on the SDGs. To complement this framework, the paper integrates the Broot – Dialogues from Within project as a case study, showing how design-driven initiatives can strengthen stakeholder collaboration, valorise cultural and territorial resources, and project the sector internationally. The findings suggest that while I4.0 supports POS-SC sustainability, the success of the SDGs depends not only on collaboration and training, but also on initiatives such as Broot that embed design, creativity, and identity into SC transformation. This study, therefore, sheds light on the interplay between I4.0, sustainability, and design within the POS-SC, highlighting the importance of combining technological and cultural innovation to drive systemic change.

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This talk is associated with the following record:

• Technology and Design in Dialogue: The Sustainable Transformation of Portugal’s Stone Industry and the Broot Project