Title: Challenges of adoption digital technologies in Logistics 4.0: a holistic study using the technological determinism theory

Authors: Noorul Shaiful Fitri Abdul Rahman; Abdelghani Benayoune; Vinh V. Thai; Abdelsalam Adam Hamid; Rudiah Md Hanafiah

Addresses: College of Business, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha, Qatar ' Research & Graduate Studies, National University of Science and Technology, International Maritime College Oman, Sohar, Sultanate of Oman ' School of Accounting, Information Systems and Supply Chain, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia ' Department of Management, College of Business Administration, A'Sharqiyah University, Sultanate of Oman ' Faculty of Maritime Studies, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract: Technological development such as blockchain, the internet of things (IoT), and big data is already having significant impacts on workers and businesses in many industries globally. This study aims to find out the main critical challenges in adopting digital technologies in Logistics 4.0 in Oman, to determine the driving factors of digital technology adoption and identify the techno-digital trends positively impacting Oman's logistics companies. Results reveal that the key factors driving digital technologies' adoption and the main challenges companies in Oman include blockchain, big data, IoT, wireless communication technologies and augmented reality. The findings vindicate that the implementation cost, lack of digital skills among the current labour force, cybersecurity, and cultural change were the main obstacles. Consequently, the study discusses the policy implications of Logistics 4.0 and recommends possible solutions for regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders using the technological determinism theory.

Keywords: logistics/supply chain operations; Logistics 4.0; digital technology; technological determinism theory; blockchain.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2026.152606

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2026 Vol.53 No.3, pp.397 - 424

Received: 22 Nov 2022
Accepted: 16 Jun 2023
Published online: 31 Mar 2026 *

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