Toward Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: The Roles of Digital Human Capital, Circular Supply Chain Practices, Frugal Innovation, and the Moderating Effect of Relational Capital

ABSTRACT In recent years, global interest in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has grown, and this interest has clearly increased in the context of global supply chains. Therefore, this paper explores the impact of digital human capital (DHC) on both circular supply chain practices (CSCP) and frugal innovation (FI), and to identify the impact of CSCP and FI on achieving the SDG. It then explores the moderating role of relational capital (RC) on the causal relationship between DHC, CSCP, and FI. A quantitative methodology was adopted to analyze the hypotheses by collecting primary data from 176 respondents from the manufacturing sector operating in Jordan. The data was tested using a partial least squares structural equation modeling approach, and the relationships between the constructs were explored. The results of the empirical study revealed a positive causality of DHC on both CSCP and FI. Furthermore, the SDG can be explained through CSCP and FI, as the nexus of these two variables was positive and strong. After testing the direct effects, the moderating effects of RC were tested, supporting the presence of a moderating effect of RC on the relationship between DHC and CSCP. However, there was no moderating effect of RC on the relationship between DHC and FI. The research empirical evidence has contributions to both academia and management practitioners, which enhance SDG achievement. By building a conceptual model that bridges academic gaps, it provides a new vision for public policy and decision makers in developing strategies that help achieve sustainability.