SMEs’ capabilities in relation to resilience, reconfiguration, and flexibility in the supply chain: a moderated mediation model

This research determined some of the key factors that predict, moderate and mediate supply chain resilience (SCRes) and supply chain reconfiguration (SCRec). The interplay among underexplored five key capabilities and their influence on SCRes and SCRec within the context of Chinese small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector is the focus. The study uncovers the mediating role of SCRes in these dynamics. A comprehensive analysis of data from 284 managers utilising partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA) reveals that four of these capabilities, namely to acquire, exploit, and transform (but not assimilate) resources, and to make alliances, have a positive and significant impact on SCRes, and subsequently influence SCRec. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of key capabilities in developing sustainable supply chains for manufacturing SMEs, enabling them to adapt more effectively to volatile business environments.