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Digital transformation and supply chain resilience

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  • Li, Pengcheng
  • Chen, Yanbing
  • Guo, Xiaochuan

Abstract

This study investigates how digital transformation affects supply chain resilience. Drawing on a panel dataset of Chinese listed firms from 2012 to 2022, we employ econometric techniques including mediation analysis and perform extensive robustness checks. The results indicate that digital transformation has a significant positive effect on supply chain resilience. This effect materializes both directly and indirectly: digital initiatives strengthen supply chain power and transparency, which in turn improve resilience. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that these resilience benefits are stronger in digitally intensive industries, under stricter environmental regulations, and differ between state-owned and private firms. These findings underscore the strategic value of digital transformation in building more resilient supply chains. Managers are advised to implement industry-specific digital strategies, and policymakers should consider regulatory environments and ownership structures when promoting digital adoption to strengthen resilience. By integrating insights from multiple theoretical perspectives, this study contributes to the literature with robust empirical evidence that digital transformation is a key driver of supply chain resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Pengcheng & Chen, Yanbing & Guo, Xiaochuan, 2025. "Digital transformation and supply chain resilience," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:99:y:2025:i:c:s1059056025001960
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2025.104033
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    9. Zhang, Shihan & Ai, Shangle, 2025. "Digital finance and urban ecological resilience," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
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    13. Liu, Haohua & Pan, Qiang, 2026. "Digital finance and supply chain resilience of manufacturing firms," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    14. Li, Shoukun & Xu, YuXue, 2025. "Supply chain finance, information transparency, and corporate earnings management," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 86(PA).
    15. Haoqiang Yuan & Xi Du, 2025. "Exploring the Mechanism of How the Market-Based Allocation of Data Elements Affects the Supply Chain Resilience of Manufacturing Enterprises: A Perspective on Data as a Production Factor," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-50, September.
    16. Wafa M’Sallem & Sana Baccar, 2026. "Blood donation: strongly approve but not give! Promoting blood giving with inducing hypocrisy paradigm," International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, Springer;International Association of Public and Non-Profit Marketing, vol. 23(1), pages 69-90, March.
    17. Sami Mohammed Alhaderi, 2025. "The Interaction of Diversification Strategies, Resilience, and Digital Capabilities in Driving Supply Chain Sustainability in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-21, September.

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