Digital HR for Sustainable Value Chains: Bridging Tech Maturity and Green Talent in Emerging Economies

Abstract

Purpose of the purpose of this paper is to examine how digital human resource (HR) maturity levels influence green talent development within sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) 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 (DHGTI) model by analyzing technology adoption patterns and green competency requirements across emerging market contexts. The research synthesizes existing literature on digital transformation, green human resource management, and sustainable supply chains to identify convergence points and strategic imperatives. Findings the 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 (SMEs) within emerging economies. The research identifies four distinct maturity stages that organisations traverse when integrating digital HR with green talent strategies. Originality/value before the recent literatures are concerned, this paper is the first to establish a full framework linking digital HR maturity with green talent development specifically for emerging economy contexts. Thus, the paper will offer a strategic roadmap to practitioners, enabling them to leverage technology to build sustainable workforce capabilities that victimize the peculiar challenges faced by organisations in developing markets.