Role of Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in Operational Efficiency of Emerging Firms

This study examines the impact of Sustainable Supply Chain Practices (SSCP) on Operational Efficiency (OE) in emerging firms in China, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of Supply Chain Integration (SCI) and Technological Adoption (TA). Drawing on data collected from 400 respondents across manufacturing, service, and technology sectors, the study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS to test the proposed relationships. The results reveal that SSCP has a significant positive effect on OE, both directly and indirectly. Furthermore, SSCP significantly enhances SCI and TA, which in turn contribute positively to OE. Mediation analysis confirms that both SCI and TA partially mediate the relationship between SSCP and OE, indicating that sustainability improves performance through improved coordination and digital transformation. The model demonstrates strong explanatory and predictive power, with substantial R² and Q² values, confirming its robustness. The findings highlight that sustainable supply chain management is not only an environmental strategy but also a key driver of operational excellence in emerging economies. The study contributes to the resource-based view and dynamic capability theory by positioning sustainability as a strategic capability that fosters integration and technological advancement. Practical implications suggest that managers should integrate sustainability with digital and collaborative supply chain strategies to enhance efficiency. Policy-makers are encouraged to support green and digital transformation initiatives simultaneously to improve industrial competitiveness. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how sustainability-driven supply chain practices enhance operational efficiency in emerging firms.