Digital transformation-driven supply chain resilience and sustainable supply chain performance: an empirical investigation of the fresh agricultural product industry

Abstract

Purpose The fresh agricultural product supply chain, as a foundational industry critical for safeguarding people’s livelihoods, has increasingly encountered frequent external uncertainties in recent years. These disruptions severely undermine operational stability and precipitate multifaceted adverse economic, social and environmental consequences. Consequently, fostering supply chain resilience (SCR) has emerged as a critical imperative for sustainable industry development, with digital transformation (DT) identified as a pivotal enabler for enhancing such resilience. Design/methodology/approach Based on dynamic capabilities theory, this study constructs a theoretical framework integrating DT, dynamic capabilities, SCR and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 343 supply chain managers and senior executives in China’s fresh agricultural product industry. The theoretical model was empirically validated using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings Research findings reveal that DT effectively enhances dynamic capabilities in three critical dimensions: resource integration capability, organizational learning capability and resource reconfiguration capability, which subsequently strengthens SCR. Moreover, this DT-driven SCR positively affects SSCP to a certain extent. Practical implications This study reveals the critical role of DT in enhancing SCR. By enabling rapid resource coordination, knowledge internalization and strategic resource reconfiguration, DT empowers firms to effectively respond to supply chain disruption risks and continuously strengthen resilience over the long term. Moreover, embedding the development of SCR into corporate strategy is a valuable managerial lever, which positively contributes to sustainable performance and long-term competitiveness in volatile markets. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on SCR and DT from the perspective of dynamic capabilities and offers theoretical insights for building resilience in the fresh agricultural product industry.