The role of digital transformation and innovation in enhancing resilience and competitiveness of chinese logistics SMEs

Abstract

This study explores the high-quality development of Chinese logistics small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by examining the impact of digital technology adoption, organizational resilience, exploratory innovation, and environmental uncertainty. The research investigates how digital transformation enhances operational efficiency, adaptability, and competitiveness while assessing the mediating role of exploratory innovation in linking technology adoption and resilience to enterprise success. Addition-ally, the study evaluates the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty on these relationships. A survey was conducted among 340 logistics professionals and SMEs operating within China's supply chain sector, focusing on their digital transformation efforts, resilience strategies, and innovation-driven business models. The hypotheses were tested using descriptive analysis in SPSS and structural equation modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS-4. The findings indicate that digital technology adoption and organizational resilience significantly enhance high-quality enterprise development, with exploratory innovation playing a crucial mediating role. Moreover, environmental uncertainty moderates the relationship between digital adoption and innovation, highlighting the need for adaptability in dynamic markets. This study contributes to the existing literature by integrating digital adoption, resilience, and innovation within a unified framework, particularly in the context of Chinese logistics SMEs. The results emphasize the importance of reducing digital adoption barriers, strengthening organizational resilience, and leveraging innovation to enhance long-term sustainability. Policymakers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to implement supportive trade policies, financial incentives, and technological investments to optimize the performance of Chinese logistics SMEs in an increasingly competitive environment.