Intelligent development of manufacturing enterprises and supply chain Resilience: A perspective based on internal capabilities and external linkages

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a strategic technology leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution and has been widely applied across various industries. Based on data from Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2023, this paper investigates the relationship between the intelligent development of manufacturing enterprises (IDME) and supply chain resilience (SCR). The study finds that the IDME can significantly enhance its SCR, particularly for large-scale enterprises, firms in strategic emerging industries (SEI), and enterprises located in regions with weak digital infrastructure and low levels of financial development. Mechanism analysis reveals that intelligent development has a positive effect on SCR by strengthening both internal capabilities and external linkages of enterprises. Specifically, it improves labor quality, enhances competitive capability, and optimizes internal governance; moreover, it promotes inter-firm collaborative innovation, reinforces information transparency, and strengthens supply–demand relationships. The conclusions of this study enrich the literature on the impact of intelligent development on SCR in manufacturing enterprises and provide empirical evidence and policy implications for promoting intelligent transformation and improving SCR in the manufacturing sector.