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Agility in the Digital Era: Bridging Transformation and Innovation in Supply Chains

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  • Soufiane Elmouhib

    (Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory LAREM, HECF Business School, Fez 30060, Morocco)

  • Zineb Youbi Idrissi

    (Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory LAREM, HECF Business School, Fez 30060, Morocco)

Abstract

This study aims to examine how digital supply chain (DSC) dimensions—including digital performance measurement, information technology, digital suppliers, manufacturing, logistics and inventory, and digital client management—influence supply chain agility, and how agility subsequently impacts innovation performance within Moroccan industries. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was employed, collecting data via structured questionnaires from 634 supply chain professionals across sectors such as agri-food, textile, automotive, and aerospace in Morocco. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS 4, evaluating direct and mediating relationships among variables. Results reveal that digital performance measurement, information technology, and logistics significantly enhance supply chain agility, which in turn strongly boosts innovation performance. Surprisingly, digital manufacturing negatively impacted agility, while digital suppliers and digital clients showed no significant direct effect. Theoretically, the study provides empirical evidence linking DSC dimensions to agility-mediated innovation performance, enriching dynamic capabilities and resource-based views. Practically, it advises managers to prioritize digital performance monitoring and IT integration to foster agility-driven innovation. This paper disaggregates digital supply chain dimensions, clarifying their distinct impacts on agility and innovation, thus addressing a research gap in digital transformation literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Soufiane Elmouhib & Zineb Youbi Idrissi, 2025. "Agility in the Digital Era: Bridging Transformation and Innovation in Supply Chains," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3462-:d:1633796
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