HUMAN-CENTRIC DIGITAL COMMERCE IN THE ERA OF INDUSTRY 6.0: A THREE-PILLAR FRAMEWORK FOR TECHNOLOGICAL ENABLEMENT, HUMAN-CENTRIC EXPERIENCE, AND SUSTAINABLE GOVERNANCE

Purpose: This research article bridges the transition gap from Industry 5.0 which focussed on “Human Machine Collaboration” to Industry 6.0 which will focus on “Autonomous & AI driven intelligent ecosystem”. It anchors the core concepts in Collaborative Intelligence theory, Value Co-creation theory and Open-Innovation theory by providing a robust academic foundation. Design/methodology/approach: In addition, a scoping literature review has been adopted incorporating both peer-reviewed articles and gray sources to study this transition. Moreover, to evaluate the quality of gray sources, this research adopts MMAT and CASP principles and strengthens the credibility of the reviews. Findings: The article also possesses highly contemporary relevance as it captures the cutting-edge retail and e-commerce innovations (2024 to 2026) such as AI assistant, MyFashion GPT, Rufus, etc. It also highlights the role of AI in driving a circular economy, quoting examples of IKEA and Nykaa. As an outcome, the research proposes a 10-dimensional Human-Centric Digital Commerce framework and explains its applicability for changing modern business. Practical implications: This framework bridges the transition across three major pillars: (1) Technological Enablement, (2) Human-Centric Experience, and (3) Sustainability, Global Integration, and Governance. Originality: The multi-case vignettes in this research also provide how the framework has to be validated for future benefits and provide constructive recommendations for multi-stakeholders.