Aligning institutions and organizations for sustainable supply chains: the role of digital transformation and low-carbon practices

Purpose The transition toward carbon neutrality has become a global strategic priority for achieving sustainable development and a green economy. Despite growing interest in digital transformation among scholars and practitioners, achieving a balance between green supply chain performance and carbon performance within the context of carbon neutrality remains underexplored. Drawing on the technology acceptance model and change management theory, this research aims to provide solutions for achieving the zero-carbon target in 2060 through holistic digital transformation, and how institutional pressure and organizational readiness influence green supply chain and carbon performance through digital transformation, low-carbon operations management practices (LCOMP) and the moderating role of environmental proactivity. Design/methodology/approach Data from 442 Chinese manufacturing firms were analyzed using Smart PLS v4 to test the research hypotheses. Findings The results indicate that all three dimensions of LCOMP mediate the relationship between digital transformation, green supply chain and carbon performance. In addition, environmental proactivity strengthens the influence of digital transformation on the three dimensions of LCOMP. Originality/value The findings contribute to the literature by addressing a key gap in sustainable supply chain and digital transformation research, which has largely examined these relationships in isolation without fully explaining the mediating mechanisms and boundary conditions.