Navigating Disruption: The Role of Resilience and Digital Transformation in Chinese Cross-Border E-Commerce SMEs Post-COVID-19

This study explores how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in Chinese cross-border e-commerce respond to the pandemic by integrating resilience strategies with digital transformation initiatives. Through 15 qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys of 300 businesses, the research reveals that SMEs enhance their digital transformation efforts by adopting digital tools in conjunction with supply chain expansion, employee training, and improved customer engagement. A high level of integration between resilience practices and digital initiatives leads to better operational performance and increased competitiveness. While the findings offer valuable insights, limitations such as a small qualitative sample suggest the need for larger, longitudinal studies to capture broader industry and regional variations. Practically, the results emphasize the importance of managers embedding resilience strategies into their operations and investing in digital technologies and workforce development to foster adaptability in the face of ongoing global market changes. Theoretically, the study contributes novel insights by connecting resilience capabilities with digital transformation in SMEs, presenting an innovative model that highlights their combined positive impact in uncertain business environments.