The impact of digital transformation on the sustainable competitiveness of Chinese listed fisheries companies

Digital transformation (DT) has become a key driver of the sustainable competitiveness of Chinese listed fisheries companies. Based on panel data from Chinese listed fisheries enterprises over the period 2000-2024, this research systematically analyzes the underlying mechanism by which DT drives the sustainable development of these firms. The results show that DT clearly enhances the sustainable competitiveness of Chinese listed fisheries enterprises, with the level of implementation of the new development philosophy partially mediating this causal pathway. Furthermore, the level of digital talent positively moderates the association between DT and corporate sustainable competitiveness. Moreover, the enhancing effect of DT on sustainable competitiveness is more obvious for small and medium-sized (SME) listed fisheries firms. Accordingly, listed fisheries companies should formulate differentiated digital transformation strategies, recruit high-caliber digital talent, and improve the efficiency of transformation initiatives.