The Impact of Supply Chain Digitization on the Competitiveness of Traditional E-commerce Enterprises in China: A Qualitative Study of Nanchang-based Businesses

This study investigates the influence of supply chain digitization on the competitiveness of traditional e-commerce enterprises in China, focusing on businesses operating in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. As the e-commerce landscape in China evolves rapidly, traditional enterprises face increasing pressure to integrate digital technologies within their supply chains to remain competitive. This study adopts a qualitative research design, utilizing thematic analysis based on interviews with 20 participants from Nanchang's traditional e-commerce sector. The research explores five key factors influencing competitiveness: visibility, agility, market sensing, social networking, and organizational effectiveness. The findings reveal that enhanced visibility enables better decision-making, real-time monitoring, and proactive problem resolution. Agility allows businesses to swiftly adapt to market changes, ensuring operational continuity and customer satisfaction. Market sensing facilitates the identification of emerging trends, enabling customer-centric adjustments and product innovation. Social networking fosters collaboration, real-time communication, and strong supplier relationships, driving efficient crisis management and innovation. Moreover, organizational effectiveness mediates the impact of these factors, ensuring streamlined processes, cost savings, and customer-focused operations. The study concludes that successful integration of supply chain digitization significantly enhances operational efficiency, customer engagement, and resilience among traditional e-commerce enterprises. However, businesses must address challenges related to technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing in-depth insights into the specific challenges and opportunities faced by traditional e-commerce enterprises in China, offering practical implications for managers and policymakers to drive digital transformation strategies.