A Review of the Information Technology and Operational Technology Convergence Using Internet of Things within the Circular Economy

Abstract The historical separation of Information Technology and Operational Technology in organizations, particularly in the industrial sector, is being challenged by the digital transformation. This shift towards a converged platform is driven by technological advancements, market pressures, and environmental and regulatory considerations. This paper explores the convergence of Information Technology and Operational Technology through the Internet of Things within the Circular Economy. A comprehensive overview of the current scientific literature is provided using a systematic review method. Initially, the evolving landscape of the Information Technology and Operational Technology integration is reviewed, then Internet of Things and Circular Economy are presented. The findings of this study include the challenges of the converged solution implementation, such as the technical integration complexities, cybersecurity risks, organizational and cultural barriers, and workforce skills gap. Furthermore, the role of the Internet of Things is demonstrated using novel smart circular loops, products, and applications showcasing innovative ideas such as product-as-a-service models, digital circular practices, products with embedded sensors, energy harvesting, and modular and upgrade capabilities as well as novel digital factory use cases such as smart manufacturing and industrial symbiosis networks. The key findings also outline the best practices and recommendations for a successful implementation of this converged infrastructure, highlighting the importance of a strategic implementation and cross-domain collaboration to achieve operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The insights provided in this paper are valuable for academics, practitioners, and policymakers aimed to understand and harness the digital technologies for advancing sustainable practices towards a smart circular economy.