## 2 Literature Review and Hypothesis Development
### The Mediating Effect of Economic Performance in the Relationship Between Digitalization and SDGs  
Industry 4.0, powered by emerging digital technologies, marks a transition to interconnected and intelligent production systems. A distinctive aspect of Industry 4.0 is its ability to create deep connections and interdependencies between industrial sectors and fields of activity, facilitating information exchange and cooperation between organizations and economic growth [6]. Industry 4.0 redefines the relationships between people and technology, merging human skills with the power of intelligent machines in a synergy that optimizes efficiency and innovation [50; 51; 52]. This industrial revolution extends beyond transforming production processes, profoundly impacting society, including education, health, and the environment, contributing to enhanced economic performance. Thus, Industry 4.0 represents a holistic transformation in how we interact with the world and organize our economic and social activities [53]. An essential aspect of the SDGs is that they result from a global consultative and participatory process involving governments, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders rather than being top-down mandates. This process endows the SDGs with increased legitimacy and relevance within the international community. Furthermore, the SDGs act as catalysts for transforming policies and practices at national and local levels, directing investments and actions toward desired outcomes and ensuring that no country is left behind in development efforts, supporting inclusive economic growth for all countries [54]. Therefore, the SDGs are essential for economic growth and achieving a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all inhabitants of the planet. The adoption of AI and other emerging technologies is necessary for advancing sustainable development, allowing for global challenges to be addressed through innovative and efficient solutions while ensuring a sustainable future for all nations [55]. Enhanced learning, communication, and reasoning capabilities enable digital technologies to significantly improve efficiency and productivity across various sectors, including health, education, transportation, energy, and agriculture [40; 55]. Integrating these advanced technologies boosts countries' economic growth and supports the achievement of the SDGs,profoundly transforming how we interact with the world. These technologies significantly improve operational efficiency, cost reduction, and sustainability promotion [55; 56; 57]. [PERSON] et al. [58] suggest that digitalization contributes to economic growth and improves social conditions by creating new business opportunities, increasing efficiency, and facilitating access to education and social services. Digital technologies can enhance productivity and competitiveness, thereby stimulating sustainable economic development. Investments in green technologies and sustainable digital infrastructure can drive sustainable economic growth, minimize environmental impacts, and balance digital development with environmental protection. Digitalization has the potential to generate significant changes across various sectors, optimizing resource use, reducing negative environmental impacts, and ensuring sustainability [7; 59; 60; 61]. Appropriate policies and regulations must be implemented to ensure the responsible and ethical use of digital technologies to ensure that digitalization effectively contributes to sustainability. Close collaboration between governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society is necessary to fully leverage digitalization's potential in achieving SDGs [4; 62]. Digital technologies modernize economic and industrial processes and create a conducive framework for sustainable development, promoting a sustainable future [63]. The strategic and responsible implementation of these technologies can transform global challenges into growth and sustainable development opportunities.