Digital economy and supply chain resilience

This study investigates how digital economy development enhances supply chain resilience through innovation and human capital pathways. Using panel data from 16,656 firm-year observations of Chinese listed companies spanning 2012-2023, we employ fixed-effects regression models with instrumental variable techniques to address endogeneity concerns. Results demonstrate that digital economy advancement significantly strengthens supply chain resilience, with research and development intensity and human capital quality serving as critical mediating mechanisms. The mediation analysis reveals that approximately 42% of the total effect operates through enhanced innovation capabilities, while human capital accounts for an additional 28% of the relationship. Heterogeneity analysis shows that digital economy effects are most pronounced in technology-intensive industries, followed by asset-intensive sectors, with weaker but significant effects in labor-intensive industries. Government support and institutional quality moderate these relationships, amplifying digital economy benefits in regions with stronger policy frameworks. These findings advance theoretical understanding of digital transformation's role in building organizational resilience while providing actionable insights for managers pursuing digital-enabled supply chain strategies and policymakers promoting innovation-driven economic development.