Digital HR for sustainable value chains: bridging tech maturity and green talent in emerging economies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how digital human resource (HR) maturity levels influence green talent development within sustainable supply chain management in emerging economies. At a critical juncture where organisations seek to integrate sustainability goals with technological advancement, this study investigates the strategic role of digital HR in cultivating green talent pipelines that support sustainable value chains. Design/methodology/approach Following a comparative framework approach, this study develops a novel digital HR-green talent integration model by analysing technology adoption patterns and green competency requirements across emerging market contexts. This research synthesises existing literature on digital transformation, green HR management and sustainable supply chains to identify convergence points and strategic imperatives. Findings This study reveals that organisations with higher digital HR maturity demonstrate superior capabilities in identifying, developing and retaining sustainability-focused talent. However, significant gaps exist between technological capabilities and green talent cultivation, particularly in small and medium enterprises within emerging economies. This research identifies four distinct maturity stages that organisations traverse when integrating digital HR with green talent strategies. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to establish a comprehensive framework linking digital HR maturity with green talent development specifically for emerging economy contexts. It offers practitioners a strategic roadmap for leveraging technology to build sustainable workforce capabilities while addressing unique challenges faced by organisations in developing markets.