TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE, MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICE IN SMES

Abstract

Nowadays, sustainability practices in manufacturing are required for the business environment, especially for SMEs. In particular, technology capabilities are essential to enhance firms’ capacity. This paper explores the relationship between technology infrastructure, manufacturing technology and sustainable manufacturing practice (SMP) in the context of SMEs. The data were collected through questionnaires using purposive sampling in Thailand, with completed 237 surveys being returned. We used structural equation modeling to test the research framework. The results reveal that the implementation of SMP in SMEs is still at a medium level, thus demonstrating that there is still substantial room for enhancement. Moreover, the findings show that technology infrastructure has an impact on SMP, while manufacturing technology also significantly mediates the relationship between technology infrastructure and SMP. These findings imply that SMEs in the manufacturing industry can develop technology capabilities as essential resources to gain higher SMP for sustainability in the competitive business environment and to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).