Digital Transformation’s Impact on Supply Chain Efficiency: Evidence from China’s Listed Manufacturing Firms

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of digital transformation (DT) on supply chain efficiency (SCE) in Chinese listed manufacturing firms using panel data from 2014–2023. Employing two-way fixed-effects and instrumental variable models, results show that DT significantly improves SCE. Mediation analysis reveals that this effect operates through two key mechanisms: enhancing technology development rate (TDR) and improving operational management efficiency (OME). Robustness checks with alternative variables confirm the consistency of the findings. The study highlights the strategic value of integrating digital tools into innovation and management processes, offering empirical evidence for policy support and enterprise decision-making to foster end-to-end digital adoption in manufacturing supply chains.