Policy-Driven Supply Chain Digitalization and Corporate Sustainability: Evidence from China’s Innovation Pilot

Lingwei Zhang, Hui Huang, Na Chen () and Huangxin Chen
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Lingwei Zhang: School of Economics, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
Hui Huang: Department of Economics and Law, Concord University College Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
Na Chen: Department of Economics and Law, Concord University College Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
Huangxin Chen: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao 999078, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-28

Abstract: Grounded in the Supply Chain Innovation and Application Pilot Policy, this study examines listed companies on China’s A-share market from 2009 to 2023, employing a difference-in-differences model to analyze the impact of supply chain digitalization on corporate ESG performance and its underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate that supply chain digitalization facilitates the improvement of corporate ESG performance by alleviating financing constraints, promoting digital technology innovation, and optimizing human capital structure. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that this effect is more pronounced in firms with greater board diversity, CEO–Chair duality, and higher market attention. This study extends the existing body of research on supply chain digitalization and thereby provides robust empirical evidence for policymakers and corporate managers to further promote enhanced ESG performance and advance sustainable development initiatives.

Keywords: supply chain digitalization; ESG performance; financing constraints; digital technology innovation; human capital structure optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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