Fintech adoption and sustainable performance of SMEs: moderated mediated analysis of technological turbulence and competitive advantage

Purpose The current study aims to determine how crucial it is for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to implement fintech for achieving a competitive edge and sustainability in the technologically turbulent environment. Thus, this study falls under the scope of industry, innovation and infrastructure, as it deals with fintech adoption by the SMEs in the context of Jordan. Design/methodology/approach The research framework was developed using the theoretical lens of resource-based view (RBV). Using SMART PLS 3, researchers have used structural equation modelling to evaluate the proposed model. The data were gathered by the researchers from the owners and managers of SMEs operating in Jordan’s manufacturing sector. Findings The findings demonstrated that competitive advantage (CA) significantly mediates and technological turbulence (TT) significantly moderates the relationship between fintech adoption and the sustainable performance (SP) of SMEs. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted in a particular setting; thus, there is a need for additional investigation in other settings. Additionally, although the direct and indirect effects of fintech adoption on SP were the focus of our model, there may be other unidentified factors that may have a significant role in the same links. Practical implications The report provides policymakers in developing countries with recommendations on how to focus their attention on the components necessary for SP of SMEs. This study filled the gap in the body of knowledge by analyzing the specific interactions. As the study is focused on Jordan which is under-researched, especially in this combination of constructs and the theories. Originality/value The study is an analysis of how fintech adoption impacts SMEs' SP through CA and TT. This study examined mediating and moderating effects simultaneously, which has hardly been seen in past studies and indicates a potentially original contribution to the field.