Green Technology Integration in Consumer Cooperatives and Retail Systems: A Systematic Mapping of AI Applications
TL;DR
This research advances the current knowledge of implementing equitable and responsible AI in cooperative-based and related retail environments, including both global and emerging economy perspectives, by proposing an array of research avenues on how to facilitate sustainable cooperative-based retail systems.
Abstract
The urgent global climate change issue, inefficiency in the use of resources, and a sustainability governing framework have increased the interest of applying artificial intelligence (AI) in integrating green technologies into retail systems. As member-owned retailing businesses with robust social and environmental responsibility principles, consumer cooperatives are an essential but less investigated arena for AI-based sustainability transformation. We conducted a systematic mapping study (SMS) by integrating prior work related to AI-empowered green technologies, the integration of which into consumer cooperatives and retail systems. We collected data from 41 peer-reviewed publications, working papers, and institutional documents (2010–2025) to review the research field, classify significant research themes, research questions and areas of application, explore sustainable environmental performance outcomes, and investigate the key areas lacking in the field. Results reveal that the recent literature mainly focused on the supply chains driven by AI-enabled green practices, digital transformation capacity readiness, data-driven sustainability practices and system resilience, yet with little focus on governance-specific and member involvement aspects for cooperative systems, as well as the methods to assess environmental performance impacts. While most applications associated with improved resource utilization, reduced waste and sustainable operations are demonstrated to some extent, there is a significant gap between the theory and practice on consumer cooperatives’ retail systems. This research advances the current knowledge of implementing equitable and responsible AI in cooperative-based and related retail environments, including both global and emerging economy perspectives, by proposing an array of research avenues on how to facilitate sustainable cooperative-based retail systems. The findings have significant practical implications for practitioners in cooperatives, policymakers and development organizations who aim to benefit from AI-driven green technology to facilitate sustainable retail transformation. Key Words: Artificial Intelligence, Green Technology, Consumer Cooperatives, Retail Systems, Systematic Mapping