When Digital Meets Green: Exploring Innovation and Integration Effects on Sustainable Performance in Food Supply Chains

ABSTRACT According to information processing theory (IPT), the main objective of this study is to examine how digital technologies (DT) influence sustainable performance (SP). This study also examines the mediating role of green innovation (GI) between DT and SP and the moderating role of green integration between DT‐GI and DT‐SP. Data from 286 Chinese food supply chain SMEs (CFSC) are examined, and the hypothesis is tested using the Smart‐PLS software. The findings show that DT had a positive and significant impact on SP, and the mediating role of GI was also positive and significant between DT and SP. The results indicate that the relationship between DT and SP is significantly moderated by green integration compared with the relationship between DT and GI. The study's findings are associated with significant practical and theoretical implications for firms and management.