From Efficiency to Engagement: Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Manufacturing Transformation

ABSTRACT The manufacturing sector is undergoing a substantial transformation driven by emerging technology and sustainable practices, offering new opportunities to improve efficiency and communicate with customers. Drawing on perspectives such as the resource‐based view (RBV) and technology adoption frameworks, this study empirically examines the influence of emerging technologies and sustainable practices on manufacturing, with connections between efficiency, sustainability, and customer engagement. The research uses confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine and enhance sustainability and customer engagement in the manufacturing industry by leveraging digital technologies. The results indicate meaningful relationships, including adoption of new technologies, implementation of sustainable practices, operational effectiveness, sustainable product development, supply chain sustainability, sustainable manufacturing performance, and customer engagement and satisfaction. Adopting emerging technologies has a good effect on operational efficiency and product sustainability. Similarly, sustainable practices positively influence supply chain and product sustainability; moreover, increased operational efficiency results in sustained production performance and higher customer involvement and satisfaction. The study provides novel insights into how technology‐driven sustainability initiatives can simultaneously strengthen operational performance and customer‐centric outcomes in manufacturing firms. This study is significant for manufacturing firms as it influences their operational strategy, innovation initiatives, and adaptation efforts to meet the changing market expectations for sustainability and customer satisfaction.