Towards a sociotechnical framework and maturity model for artificial intelligence-driven supply chain due diligence

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this article is to develop an integrated sociotechnical framework and a diagnostic maturity model for artificial intelligence-driven supply chain due diligence. It addresses the implementation gap under escalating mandatory regulations by demonstrating how technological capabilities, ethical governance, and cultural adaptation interact, shape each other, and must be developed together. Research Design & Methods: We employed a theory-building approach and conducted a purposive literature synthesis. We applied thematic analysis, grounded in institutional theory, stakeholder theory, and the technology-organisation-environment framework to develop an integrated framework and maturity model, illustrated via analysis of European e-commerce sustainability disclosures. Findings: We identified three critical sociotechnical interfaces (tech-ethics, ethics-culture, and tech-culture) and derived three formal propositions from the analysis. We propose, organisational readiness may function more as a coefficient than an additive factor, where the substantive effectiveness of technological tools depends on cultural commitment. A distinct ‘institutional governance gap’ emerges from the illustrative application. Implications & Recommendations: Organisations, including small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures operating within mandatory due diligence supply chains, should move beyond techno-centric approaches to assess artificial intelligence (AI) readiness simultaneously across operational, institutional, global, and strategic layers. The maturity model enables systematic capability gap identification. Contribution & Value Added: We propose a diagnostic maturity model and formal propositions that bridge the gap between legal theory and organisational implementation. These contributions are conceptual and require empirical validation.