Publication
Leveraging 3D virtual and digital technologies for sustainable supply chain operations in luxury retail: a scenario-based analysis
| Summary: | This dissertation examines the potential of 3D Virtual and Digital Technologies (3DVD), including 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), in driving sustainability within luxury retail supply chains. Luxury brands face persistent challenges such as overproduction, excessive waste, and inefficient resource use. This study dissects how these technologies can address these issues across design, inventory, distribution, and retailing while assessing the relevance of the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) 'Digitalisation for Sustainability' agenda as a pathway to more sustainable practices. Employing a scenario-based methodology, the research identifies key factors driving the shift toward digitalisation for sustainability. These factors are categorized using the STEEP framework (Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political), and four distinct future scenarios are developed based on two critical uncertainties: regulatory changes and consumer adoption of digital solutions. The four scenarios are then evaluated against tailored sustainability metrics to explore potential outcomes. The study shows that the most significant sustainability improvements come from a combination of strict regulations and high consumer acceptance of digital solutions. The findings exhibit that 3DVD technologies can contribute to achieving sustainability goals, primarily by reducing waste and enhancing operational efficiency. Despite these opportunities, challenges such as high energy consumption, economic viability concerns, and consumer attachment to fast-fashion models remain critical obstacles. This study provides strategic insights for industry leaders, helping them anticipate challenges, capture opportunities, and make informed decisions about incorporating the ii latest technologies into their digital transformation initiatives while navigating the evolving terrain of sustainable innovation |
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| Main Authors: | Łakomska, Katarzyna Agnieszka |
| Subject: | 3D Virtual and Digital Technologies Luxury Retail Sustainable Supply Chains Digital Transformation Scenario Analysis Environmental Impact |
| Year: | 2025 |
| Country: | Portugal |
| Document type: | master thesis |
| Access type: | restricted access |
| Associated institution: | Universidade de Lisboa |
| Language: | English |
| Origin: | Repositório da Universidade de Lisboa |
| Summary: | This dissertation examines the potential of 3D Virtual and Digital Technologies (3DVD), including 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), in driving sustainability within luxury retail supply chains. Luxury brands face persistent challenges such as overproduction, excessive waste, and inefficient resource use. This study dissects how these technologies can address these issues across design, inventory, distribution, and retailing while assessing the relevance of the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) 'Digitalisation for Sustainability' agenda as a pathway to more sustainable practices. Employing a scenario-based methodology, the research identifies key factors driving the shift toward digitalisation for sustainability. These factors are categorized using the STEEP framework (Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political), and four distinct future scenarios are developed based on two critical uncertainties: regulatory changes and consumer adoption of digital solutions. The four scenarios are then evaluated against tailored sustainability metrics to explore potential outcomes. The study shows that the most significant sustainability improvements come from a combination of strict regulations and high consumer acceptance of digital solutions. The findings exhibit that 3DVD technologies can contribute to achieving sustainability goals, primarily by reducing waste and enhancing operational efficiency. Despite these opportunities, challenges such as high energy consumption, economic viability concerns, and consumer attachment to fast-fashion models remain critical obstacles. This study provides strategic insights for industry leaders, helping them anticipate challenges, capture opportunities, and make informed decisions about incorporating the ii latest technologies into their digital transformation initiatives while navigating the evolving terrain of sustainable innovation |
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