Digital intelligence technology adoption and supply chain security of manufacturing firms: empirical evidence from China

Maintaining supply chain security(SCS) has become a strategic cornerstone of national economic security and industrial competitiveness. Using panel data of Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms from 2012 to 2024, this study empirically examines the impact of digital intelligence technology adoption on SCS and explores the underlying mechanisms. The results show that digital intelligence technology adoption significantly enhances the SCS of manufacturing firms, with the effect being more pronounced among firms located in eastern China and those with lower supply chain concentration. Mechanism analyses indicate that this effect is primarily achieved by strengthening firms' risk management capability and improving supply chain coordination capability. Moderation analysis further reveals that the positive effect of digital intelligence technology adoption on SCS is stronger in regions with higher levels of digital infrastructure development. Further analysis demonstrates that improvements in SCS of focal(chain-leading) firms generate significant network spillover effects, enhancing the SCS of both upstream suppliers and downstream customers. These findings provide robust empirical evidence to guide firms in deepening digital intelligence integration and optimizing supply chain structures, and to support governments in designing more targeted policies.