Impact of digital inclusion, social innovation and social resilience in enhancing firm performance

Purpose Firm performance (FP) is conceptualized as a composite measure capturing financial growth, market share expansion and operational efficiency, reflecting both strategic and operational outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of digital inclusion (DI) in enhancing FP through the mediating effects of social resilience (SR) and social innovation (SI). While DI is increasingly viewed as a strategic enabler for operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement and long-term growth, empirical research on its impact on FP remains limited. This study seeks to bridge this gap by integrating insights from the DCV, STS and digital transformation literature. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a survey-based research approach to collect data from 217 executives and managers in the dairy and agribusiness sectors in India using a five-point Likert scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM), which involved a quantitative approach, was used to test the hypothesized relationships between DI, SR, SI and FP with SmartPLS. Findings The findings verify that DI is a significant predictor of FP, SR and SI, with stronger effects on SI. Moreover, SR positively influences both SI and FP, with a greater impact on firm success. Additionally, SI and SR were found to be complementary partial mediators of the DI–FP relationship. Originality/value This study contributes to the emerging literature on digital transformation, resilience and innovation by providing empirical evidence of how DI fosters FP. It highlights the need for organizations to integrate digital tools, resilience-building strategies and innovation-driven approaches to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. The findings have significant theoretical and practical implications, offering insights for business leaders, policymakers and researchers in the field of digital transformation and organizational adaptability.