The effects of sustainability innovation and supply chain resilience on sustainability performance: Evidence from China’s cold chain logistics industry

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of sustainability innovation and supply chain resilience on sustainability performance and to predict the interrelationship between economic, environmental, and social performances. Using a cross-sectional quantitative study, an online survey was conducted among the Chinese cold chain logistics companies, and 204 valid responses were collected. Data analysis was conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach. The results indicated that sustainability innovation and supply chain resilience positively affect three pillars of sustainability performance. Within sustainability performance, economic performance has a significant positive correlation with environmental and social performances, while environmental performance has no effect on social performance. The findings made constructive contributions. Theoretically, this study contributes to dynamic capability theory by predicting the direct impact of sustainability innovation and supply chain resilience on sustainability performance in a model that is relatively new in the literature. In addition, this study examines the relationship between economic, environmental, and social performances in a unique context (i.e. the cold chain logistics industry). Practically, this study will guide practitioners in developing innovative and resilient strategies committed to business sustainability and urge policymakers to develop policies such as subsidies, regulation, and training programmes to promote innovation and collaboration in this industry.