Synergistic Effects of Tech‐Enabled Capabilities for Sustainability in Road Freight Transportation

ABSTRACT Road freight transportation is a crucial enabler of the global economy due to its cost and flexibility advantages. However, road freight transportation also significantly impacts the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion, and pollution. To address this trade‐off, this study investigates the synergistic effects of tech‐enabled capabilities on the sustainability of road freight transportation. Grounded in the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) theory, it identifies tech‐enabled capabilities for sustainability, explores their interrelationship, and determines how these capabilities can contribute to a competitive advantage. A mixed‐methods approach was employed, comprising five phases: capability identification, expert validation using the Fuzzy Delphi method, development of a structural model via Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), analysis of interrelationships using Cross‐Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC), and creation of an Integrated Capabilities Framework for Sustainability in Road Freight Transportation (ICF‐SRT). Findings highlight three groups of capabilities—pioneer, integrator, and ancillary—each playing a distinct role in enhancing sustainability and competitive advantage in road freight transportation. The study advances NRBV theory by mapping the interdependencies of tech‐enabled capabilities and demonstrating their role in fostering sustainable practices. It provides road freight companies with a strategic framework for integrating and optimizing technologies to improve sustainability efforts, align with environmental and social governance (ESG) standards, and maintain a competitive edge in an eco‐conscious market.