A dual-path driving mechanism study of digital transformation on supply chain adaptation from the asymmetric network power perspective

This study examines how digital transformation reshapes supply chain governance through the natural and social dimensions of technological interdependence. Although previous studies have confirmed that digital transformation enhances supply chain performance by improving internal efficiency and strengthening external network collaboration, they generally overlook both the complex interdependence structure inherent in the underlying technological system and the moderating role of asymmetric power within this structure. Analyzing 564 Chinese high-tech firms (2003–2022), we find: (1) an inverted U-shaped relationship between digital transformation and supply chain adaptability; (2) asymmetric network power helps firms improve technology-organization alignment and reduce governance costs for interdependent relationships, thereby enhancing supply chain adaptability; (3) asymmetric network power 's moderating effect increasingly manifests in reshaping supply chain rules as digital technologies evolve. We posit that digital transformation reshapes supply chain synergy through two pathways: technological sovereignty competition and organizational restructuring, with its effectiveness being contingent upon the structure of technological interdependence. Firms should develop resilient modular architectures, prioritize low-cost scenarios, and promote industry-wide graded interoperability standards with open-source baselines. Governments need frameworks balancing sovereignty governance and open innovation to mitigate technology blockade risks and unlock technological value through coordinated evolution of institutions, standards, and organizations.