Research on the Transformation Challenges and Countermeasures for Small and Medium-sized Cold Chain Logistics Enterprises from a Digital Economy Perspective

Against the backdrop of the digital economy, cold chain logistics—a critical sector ensuring the circulation of fresh produce—has seen digital transformation emerge as a core trend for high-quality industry development. According to the China Cold Chain Logistics Committee, small and medium-sized cold chain logistics enterprises, accounting for over 90% of the sector by scale, play a vital role in regional fresh produce distribution. However, constrained by multiple factors including resources, technology, and management, their digital transformation lags behind industry development, subjecting them to severe survival and competitive pressures. This paper employs a literature review methodology, systematically analysing relevant academic literature, policy documents, and industry reports to dissect the current state and core challenges of digital transformation among SME cold chain logistics enterprises. It constructs a four-dimensional countermeasure framework—"resource integration, technology adaptation, management optimisation, and environmental improvement"—to provide enterprises with low-cost, actionable transformation guidance.