Impact mechanism of digital transformation on agricultural enterprises’ supply chain resilience

Introduction In an era of increasing global uncertainty, the resilience of agricultural supply chains is paramount for national food security. The agricultural sector, characterized by long cycles and high vulnerability, faces significant disruption risks. While digital transformation (DT) is promoted as a powerful tool for modernization, its actual effectiveness in enhancing the supply chain resilience (SCR) of agricultural enterprises lacks robust empirical evidence. Methods We utilize a panel dataset of Chinese A-share listed agricultural enterprises from 2011 to 2024, with data sourced from the CSMAR database. DT is measured using textual analysis of corporate annual reports to quantify the frequency of digitalization-related keywords. SCR is constructed as a composite index based on two dimensions: resistance and recovery. The impact of DT on SCR is analyzed using a firm and year fixed-effects regression model. The mediating roles of information transparency, corporate collaboration collaboration, and supply chain operational efficiency are also tested. Results and discussion The findings confirm that DT significantly strengthens agricultural SCR. This enhancement is achieved by improving information transparency, fostering corporate collaboration, and boosting supply chain operational efficiency. Notably, the positive impact is more significant for state-owned, mature, and downstream firms, indicating a “digitalization paradox” where upstream producers may face initial challenges, highlighting that the effectiveness of DT is linked to a firm’s characteristics and position in the supply chain.