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Article

Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies

by
Zhe Liu
1,*,
Chenghao Jiao
1,
Yudong Zhang
2,* and
Jiaji Wang
2
1
School of Management, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
2
School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15329; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115329
Submission received: 11 August 2023 / Revised: 4 October 2023 / Accepted: 24 October 2023 / Published: 26 October 2023
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Abstract

:
Supply chain collaboration is acknowledged for its benefits, but realizing these advantages can be challenging. The role of government subsidies in supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance remains unclear. In this study, we explored how supply chain collaboration can enhance firm performance and the roles of collaborative advantage and government subsidies in that process. Firstly, we reviewed the related literature and proposed our hypotheses. Secondly, we formulated an innovative theoretical framework and issued our questionnaire after a pilot study. After collecting and evaluating the sample data, we utilized structural equation modeling to comprehensively examine those relationships in a supply chain, unlike the previous studies on trust, firm size, etc. Lastly, in the context of government interventions, this study addresses the question: “To what extent do government subsidies influence the relationships among supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance?” Our findings indicate that supply chain collaboration is fundamental in shaping collaborative advantage and firm performance, while collaborative advantage is crucial in enhancing firm performance. Additionally, government support in the form of subsidies acts as a catalyst, further enhancing the positive outcomes of supply chain collaboration and ultimately benefiting firm performance. This research underscores the strategic significance of supply chain collaboration and government subsidies in promoting overall business success. By illuminating the roles of collaborative advantage and government subsidies in this context, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic capability involved in achieving improved firm performance through effective supply chain collaboration.

1. Introduction

Firms across various industries encounter unique challenges in the face of financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other disruptions [1,2,3]. Companies recognize that supply chain collaboration (SCC) can reduce expenses while simultaneously improving efficiency and sustainability [4,5]. This is especially true for Chinese manufacturing companies, which rely heavily on labour and struggle with open innovation and resource integration [6,7]. To overcome these challenges, companies seek alliances with other companies in their supply chain to integrate resources and technology, seize market opportunities, and improve their competitive advantage [8]. China has acknowledged the significance of SCC and introduced the concept of “manufacturing synergy”, even providing government subsidies (GS), to foster collaborative advantage (CA) and enhance firm performance (FP).
While there are many studies focusing on the definition and outcome of SCC, the path from collaboration to performance is still unclear [9,10,11]. Dynamic Capabilities Theory underscores the significance of SCC as a critical dynamic capability, enabling firms to adapt and prosper within an ever-changing business landscape [12,13]. By harnessing internal and external resources, firms can adeptly navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities, fuelling their sustained long-term success [14]. Hence, we need to explore (i) how SCC can enhance FP and (ii) what are the roles of CA and GS in that process. This implies that companies must collaborate within the supply chain to align their growth efforts and gain a competitive edge [15]. Collaboration allows for practical specialization, cost reduction, and improved innovation efficiency by promoting coordination among companies and their supply chain partners. Through strategic alliances and resource integration, collaboration helps companies meet market demands, enhance their competitiveness, and ensure the overall development of the supply chain [16]. Consequently, we delve into the ways in which SCC can fortify FP, all while acknowledging the pivotal roles played by CA and government intervention.
The primary objectives of this study are to reveal the influence of CA on the relationship between SCC and FP, especially within the context of government subsidies (GS). While the benefits of SCC are acknowledged, realizing these benefits can be challenging [17,18,19]. China’s manufacturing industry is large but lacks refinement, with a low concentration of organizations [20]. Despite the potential of collaboration, many companies are hesitant to fully embrace it, which requires further research to clarify its strategic significance and value [21]. Moreover, the escalating trade disputes between China and the United States have significantly heightened uncertainty in the global market, leading to profound repercussions on industrial policies regarding technological progress and innovation in many nations [22,23,24]. The successful implementation of initiatives like “Made in China 2025” relies on strong government policies that promote supply chain coordination and establish China’s industrial advantages [25]. Thus, our main hypotheses are as follows:
-
SCC has a significant direct positive impact on FP.
-
CA has a significant positive influence on FP.
-
CA acts as a mediating factor between SCC and FP.
-
GS moderates the relationship among SCC, CA, and FP.
Compared to traditional regression models, we deployed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in this study, consisting of both a measurement model and a structural model, as a potent tool for elucidating the complex relationships among variables [26,27,28,29]. The measurement model can recognize the critical elements of SCC, CA, and FP, while the structural model can also provide a deeper understanding of findings of the mediation effect of CA and the moderation effect of GS by comparing path coefficients [30].
Our research stands out as one of the few studies that uncover the pathway from SCC to FP. Our findings suggest that GS plays a role in enhancing the connection between SCC and FP through CA. These findings can help shape government policies for supply chain innovation and guide the traditional manufacturing industry toward innovation-driven growth. Therefore, this study is highly significant because it uncovers meaningful connections between supply chain collaboration and firm profits. The practical insights from this research can inform policies, boost innovation-led expansion, and transform the traditional manufacturing sector. As a result, it provides valuable, timely insights for optimizing supply chain strategies to enhance profitability and sustainability. The rest of the paper is organized as follows. The next section includes the main conceptions and related studies, followed by the proposed hypotheses. We then introduce our methods for questionnaire design, data collection, and evaluation. Further, we provide the analysis process, the results of SEM and sensitivity test. We explore a discussion highlighting our theoretical contributions and practical implications of research findings. Finally, we conclude and indicate our limitations, suggesting avenues for future research.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Supply Chain Collaboration and Collaborative Advantage

Supply chain collaboration is defined from multiple perspectives, focusing on cooperation, relationships, and mutual benefits [9]. It includes collaborative cooperation and information sharing to provide optimal solutions for all participants [31]. This collaboration occurs between at least two enterprises in the supply chain, working together towards common objectives. It is based on long-term partnerships, where members collaborate, share information and resources, and manage risks to achieve shared goals. From a process and relationship perspective, SCC is a partnership that involves close cooperation, planning, and implementation of activities to achieve shared goals and interests among multiple enterprises [32]. Simultaneously, partners within the supply chain face challenges related to sharing sensitive data and making substantial investments [33,34].
The manifestation of SCC yields various benefits, enhancing the market competitiveness of participants and improving service levels, responsiveness to customer needs, product quality, and production efficiency. Through resource sharing, information exchange, and fair distribution of benefits, SCC enhances decision-making efficiency and problem-solving capabilities. By engaging in information sharing, synchronized decision-making, and electronic data exchange with supply chain partners, enterprises can gain sustainable competitive advantages in operating profit margin, cost management, agility, and overall revenue. It addresses the challenges of low success rates and high development costs in independent innovation, thereby ensuring the healthy development of the entire supply chain system [35,36]. As a result, we propose the following hypothesis:
H1. 
Supply chain collaboration exerts a substantial positive influence on collaborative advantage.

2.2. Collaborative Advantage and Firm Performance

Collaborative advantage represents a competitive edge among organizations [37]. SCC offers a strategic benefit by fostering partnerships and value co-creation among supply chain entities, thereby gaining an advantage over market competitors [38,39,40]. CA encompasses five key dimensions: process efficiency, product flexibility, business collaboration, quality improvement, and collaborative innovation [41]. Process efficiency pertains to the cost advantage achieved through information sharing, logistics integration, product development, joint decision-making, and other processes among supply chain partners [42]. Product flexibility pertains to the degree to which the supply chain modifies product characteristics, quantity, and pace in reaction to shifts in the environment [43]. Business collaboration involves the synergistic effect resulting from the complementary resources of supply chain partners [44]. Quality improvement entails the joint creation of enhanced value for customers by enterprises and their supply chain partners [45]. Collaborative innovation involves jointly developing new processes, products, or services by enterprises and their supply chain partners [46]. These CAs, rooted in process efficiency, product flexibility, business collaboration, quality improvement, and collaborative innovation, can potentially enhance enterprise performance. Accordingly, we posit the following hypothesis:
H2. 
Collaborative advantage exerts a significant positive influence on firm performance.

2.3. Supply Chain Collaboration and Firm Performance

Firm performance encompasses two crucial criteria: the effectiveness and efficiency of various processes within the organization [47]. Adopting SCC as a strategy allows enterprises to achieve substantial performance returns [10]. To accomplish this goal, all participants in the collaboration must take necessary actions, adhere to established rules, and uphold ethical principles to ensure effective functioning. By establishing strategic alliance relationships founded on resource sharing and collaborative decision-making, supply chain partners can optimize the profitability of the entire supply chain. SCC reduces product delivery time, mitigates the bullwhip effect, enhances customer satisfaction, expands market share, and generates greater profits [48].
The implementation of enterprise information systems to facilitate information sharing, such as demand and inventory data, among upstream and downstream entities in the supply chain can enhance returns on enterprise performance. By fostering process efficiency, flexibility, business collaboration, quality, and innovation, supply chain partners can generate superior FP [49]. Effective communication, cooperation, process innovation, and mechanism design among supply chain partners substantially enhance market responsiveness, reduce transaction costs, and consequently fortify and continuously increase profits. Establishing long-term, stable relationships based on trust and communication among supply chain partners minimizes supply chain risks, leading to improved corporate financial performance [50,51]. Additionally, research suggests that collaborative activities among supply chain enterprises enhance organizational performance by mediating the effects of CAs [52]. Therefore, we posit the following hypotheses:
H3. 
Supply chain collaboration exerts a significant direct positive influence on enterprise performance.
H4. 
Collaborative advantage acts as a mediating factor between supply chain collaboration and firm performance.

2.4. The Moderation Effect of Government Subsidies

Supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantages, and firm performance are subject to the influence of moderating factors, including the size of the enterprise and environmental turbulence [53,54]. GS can play a critical role in specific fields, such as energy transformation and disease prevention, among others [55,56]. In the Chinese context, government subsidy policies hold significant sway over SCC activities and the interplay between SCC, CAs, and enterprise performance [57,58]. This impact is particularly pronounced in areas such as collaborative decision-making within the pharmaceutical supply chain or the collaborative innovation of complex product standard technologies, where GS wields a regulatory effect of particular significance [59,60]. Therefore, this article puts forth the following assumptions:
H5a. 
The presence of government subsidies moderates the relationship between supply chain collaboration and collaborative advantages.
H5b. 
The presence of government subsidies moderates the relationship between collaborative advantages and corporate performance.
H5c. 
The presence of government subsidies moderates the relationship between supply chain collaboration and firm performance.
The theoretical framework of this study is depicted in Figure 1.

3. Data and Methodology

To advance our research goal of improving our understanding of how to enhance FP through SCC, particularly in the context of government policies, we employed a quantitative approach. This approach allowed us to investigate the intricate relationships among SCC, CA, FP, and GS. Our analysis utilized SPSS version 26.0 and AMOS version 21.0 to assess the questionnaire’s quality. A battery of statistical tests was then applied to assess model validity, including a normal distribution test, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), among others [61,62].
Initially, we conducted a pilot study with a sample size of 30 participants to gather feedback on the language, format, and content of the questionnaire items. Subsequently, we distributed the questionnaires through both online and offline channels. All data were diligently collected and prepared, with the calculated skewness and kurtosis values by SPSS falling below 2 and 5, respectively. This indicates that our sample data adhere to the characteristics of a normal distribution, providing a solid basis for further model testing. Also, we executed Cronbach’s alpha tests to assess the reliability of the questionnaire items [61]. Finally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the robustness of our conclusions.

3.1. Sample

The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation among SCC, CA, and FP in the context of GS. The scope of this study encompassed all enterprises that were actively engaged in supply chain partnerships. To ensure that the data collection process was purposeful, measurable, feasible, and cost-effective, this article employed two channels to distribute and collect questionnaires.
Firstly, the online questionnaire platform was utilized to publish the questionnaires online (https://www.wjx.cn/vj/wFwsATH.aspx, accessed on 10 August 2023). Secondly, some selected industry associations, alumni associations, and research institutions from various regions assisted in disseminating the questionnaire to middle and senior managers of relevant enterprises, as well as employees actively involved in SCC. The questionnaire was shared with them as a link, enabling them to fill it out and provide data. This approach was employed to maximize the sample size and ensure the practicality of data collection while enhancing the efficiency of the questionnaire collection process.
Furthermore, to address the issue of missing values, which cannot be overlooked in our survey, we proactively conducted follow-up visits with respondents with a low response rate in the initial questionnaire phase. During these follow-up visits, we carefully addressed missing responses to the outcome variable, and any samples with missing data were subsequently eliminated from our analysis. A total of 321 valid questionnaires were obtained from 346 questionnaires, yielding a recovery rate of 92.7%. Table 1 presents a summary of the sample distribution.

3.2. Instrument and Measures

To guarantee the reliability and validity of the measurement instruments, this study adopted established scales in previous literature to measure concepts such as SCC, CA, GS, and FP [53,63]. These scales were modified appropriately to align with the specific research objectives, resulting in an initial measurement scale, as shown in Table 2. The questionnaire comprised three main sections. The first section provided an explanation of the fundamental concepts related to the variables covered in the questionnaire. The second section collected basic information about the survey participants and their affiliated enterprises. Finally, the third section consisted of the measurement scale, including items related to SCC, CA, and subordinate dimensions of FP. The Likert five-level scale method was employed for rating the survey questionnaire, where participants expressed their degree of disagreement or agreement on a scale that ranged from strongly disagree to strongly agree, assigning corresponding values of 1 to 5 points. Participants were requested to select the response option that best reflects the current situation of their respective enterprises.

3.2.1. Supply Chain Collaboration

SCC can be assessed from four dimensions: information sharing, goal congruence, incentive alignment, and collaborative communication [52]. Information sharing in SCC provides real-time and effective data to improve efficiency and effectiveness. It helps with inventory, demand forecasting, market strategy, production logistics, customer demand, product planning, and uncertainty, injecting momentum into collaboration. Goal congruence shows a willingness to work together. When entities agree on common goals, it strengthens the supply chain relationship and improves performance. Incentive alignment ensures smooth collaboration. Sharing costs and benefits equally motivates enterprises to contribute and achieve individual and overall profit growth. Collaborative communication maintains strong supply chain relationships. Frequent and open communication reduces risks and cost losses and improves competitive advantage.

3.2.2. Collaborative Advantage

CA refers to how participating enterprises can access essential technology, information, and resources. Additionally, they can leverage their partners’ resources, thereby enhancing their innovation capabilities, reducing development costs, and ultimately producing high-value, high-quality products. Derived from transaction cost theory, resource-based theory, relationship theory, and resource extension theory, CA can be measured across four dimensions: business synergy, process efficiency, innovation, and quality [64].

3.2.3. Firm Performance

Scholars perceive corporate performance as directly reflecting a company’s operational performance and revenue generated over a specific timeframe [47]. Collaborating with supply chain partners enables enterprises to effectively reduce operational and management costs, streamline order and product delivery times, enhance raw material utilization and production capacity, and improve overall production efficiency. This, in turn, leads to a consistent enhancement in enterprise performance [65]. According to Cao et al. (2011), a company’s financial performance is a crucial determinant of its success in SCC, and it can be easily measured. This evaluation encompassed growth of sales, return on investment (ROI), operating margin, and growth of ROI.

3.2.4. Government Subsidies

Numerous studies have demonstrated the profound influence of GS on firm behaviors [66,67]. Compared to alternative subsidy methods like direct financial and tax incentives, R&D subsidies reflect the synergy between supply chain enterprises more accurately. Therefore, this article employed R&D subsidies as the representative moderating variable for GS. To investigate the influence of government policies on the collaboration between supply chain enterprises, we categorized the surveyed data into two groups: enterprises receiving GS and those without such subsidies.

3.3. Measure Validation

To examine the hypotheses proposed in Section 2, we adopted a two-step approach utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) [68,69]. In the initial phase, we utilized Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with SPSS 26.0 to unveil the factorial structure of the measurement scales. The second step involved Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), verifying the factor structure of the latent variables using AMOS 21.0.
We utilized Cronbach’s α value to assess the questionnaire’s reliability. Generally, a Cronbach’s α below 0.65 is considered unacceptable, while a value above 0.85 indicates very high reliability of the questionnaire [70]. Following the principle of enhancing scale reliability, we eliminated items with poor Cronbach’s α or those that negatively impacted their main factor’s Cronbach’s α [71]. Fortunately, we found that Cronbach’s α value for all factors and items exceeded 0.7, demonstrating a high level of scale reliability. However, we identified that item IS5 had a detrimental impact on its main factor, SCC, and thus should be removed.
The questionnaire comprises established scales, ensuring a reasonable content validity level. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed to verify whether the items were aligned with the anticipated dimensions. As illustrated in Table 3, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test results for SCC, CA, and FP were 0.934, 0.944, and 0.808, respectively. These values surpass the threshold standard of 0.7, with significance levels below 0.01. The explained variance percentages for the SCC, CA, and FP scales were 62.302%, 65.438%, and 67.499%, respectively. Additionally, the factor load coefficient of each item exceeded 0.5, adhering to the predetermined dimension distribution standard as shown in Table 4, Table 5 and Table 6. We also identified that the item of IN4 was redundant and subsequently removed from the analysis.
Subsequently, we employed Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), as shown in Table 7, Table 8 and Table 9, to evaluate the convergence effectiveness by assessing the model’s reliability through two parameters: composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE). Normally, when the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) surpasses 50%, and the Composite Reliability (CR) is higher than 0.70, it suggests that the variance of eigenvalues exceeds the variance of error components [72]. Nevertheless, AVE values above 0.4 and CR values greater than 0.6 are deemed acceptable as well [73].
The results revealed that the AVE values for the four SCC factors were 0.537, 0.529, 0.466, and 0.514, respectively, with CR values exceeding 0.8 for all factors. Similarly, the AVE values for the four CA factors were 0.52, 0.519, 0.536, and 0.493, respectively, with CR values greater than 0.7. Furthermore, the AVE value for FP was 0.57, with a CR of 0.84. Based on these results, the scale demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity. As evidenced in Table 10, all interstructure correlations remained below 0.85 regarding discriminant validity. Additionally, the square root of the AVE for each factor exceeded the correlation coefficients observed between the respective factor and other variables. These findings collectively affirmed a robust state of discriminant validity for the measurement scale.
In the realm of depicted relationships, as illustrated in Figure 2a, the path coefficient among the four principal factors surpasses 0.7, underscoring the existence of a higher-order dimension that encapsulates the overarching attributes of these four indicators. Figure 2b shows this higher-order dimension, termed SCC. Analogously, in Figure 3a, the path coefficient linking the four key factors exceeds 0.75, leading us to label this overarching dimension as CA in Figure 3b. Likewise, in Figure 4, the manifestation of FP is evident, with factor loadings surpassing 0.7, signifying the robust coherence of this construct.
Collectively, the outcomes of the model fit analysis affirm the robust convergence efficiency of the data, as presented in Table 11. For the first-order model of SCC, the indices are as follows: χ2/df = 2.217, RMSEA = 0.062, GFI = 0.908, CFI = 0.939, NFI = 0.895, and AGFI = 0.880. Moving to the second-order model, the fit indices are χ2/df = 2.236, RMSEA = 0.062, GFI = 0.906, CFI = 0.937, NFI = 0.892, and AGFI = 0.880. Similarly, in the context of CA, the fit indices for the first-order structure are χ2/df = 2.015, RMSEA = 0.056, GFI = 0.932, CFI = 0.961, NFI = 0.927, and AGFI = 0.903. Likewise, for the second-order structure of CA, the fit indices are χ2/df = 2.069, RMSEA = 0.058, GFI = 0.929, CFI = 0.958, NFI = 0.923, and AGFI = 0.901. The model of FP also demonstrates consistent fit, with indices as follows: χ2/df = 1.001, RMSEA = 0.002, GFI = 0.997, CFI = 1.000, NFI = 0.996, and AGFI = 0.984.

4. Analyses and Results

4.1. Mediation Effect of Collaborative Advantage

We tested the hypotheses by establishing a structural equation model and utilized the maximum likelihood method for calculations using Amos software version 21.0, illustrated in Figure 5. Since SCC and CA in the model consist of four low-order dimensions each, with varying quantities of items (ranging from three to five) under each dimension, it would be impractical to include the measurement model entirely for fit assessment. To address this issue, this paper opts to explicitly calculate the scores of potential variables using the low-order variables. Presently, there are various methods for calculating latent variable scores, including (1) summing up the items of the same scale, (2) calculating the latent variable using the items with the highest factor loadings, and (3) aggregating items with high Measurement Invariance (MI) values based on the CFA results. Considering the research context of this paper, we have chosen to sum up the items and calculate the average value to derive the corresponding latent variable scores.
As shown in Table 12, the fitting coefficients of the basic model are satisfactory, with χ2/df = 1.899, RMSEA = 0.053, GFI = 0.953, CFI = 0.980, NFI = 0.960, and AGFI = 0.928, meeting the standard for good model fit. The path coefficients of SCC→CA are 0.847, significant at the 0.01 level, supporting Hypothesis 1 and indicating that SCC has a significant positive impact on CA. Similarly, the path coefficients of CA→FP are 0.396, significant at the 0.01 level, supporting Hypothesis 2, demonstrating that CA positively influences corporate performance. Moreover, the path coefficients of SCC→FP are 0.414, significant at the 0.01 level, confirming Hypothesis 3, highlighting the substantial positive impact of SCC on FP.
To explore whether CA acts as a mediator between SCC and FP (H4), we employed the bootstrap method, and the results revealed that the total effect, direct effect, and indirect effect of SCC→FP were significant. This indicates that CA plays a partial mediating role between SCC and FP. As expected, through complementary advantages, information sharing, and collaborative decision-making, SCC facilitates cost reduction, minimizes errors, and accelerates the process of introducing novel products to the market, leading to significant improvements in enterprise performance.

4.2. Moderation Effect of Government Subsidies

While this paper has successfully clarified the impact relationship among SCC, CA, and FP, a key focus of our investigation is whether GS moderates the impact path of SCC→CA, CA→FP, and SCC→FP. We aimed to explore potential differences in the impact paths between subsidized and non-subsidized enterprises. To verify hypotheses H5a, H5b, and H5c, we categorized the 321 survey samples (with GS = 147, without GS = 174) into two groups: subsidized and non-subsidized. We employed the multigroup analysis in Amos software version 21.0 and tested the hypotheses by comparing the unrestricted model with the restricted model (structural weights). From Table 13, we observe that the fitting degree of the unrestricted and restricted models for SCC→CA, CA→FP, and SCC→FP reach a good standard. Regarding H5a, the chi-square variance (Δχ2) in Table 6 is 9.470, and the difference in the degree-of-freedom (Δdf) is 11, which does not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05), thereby not supporting the hypothesis. In contrast, the chi-square variance for H5b is 20.275, with Δdf of 11, which is significant at the 0.05 level, supporting the hypothesis of H5b. Similarly, the chi-square variance for H5c is 20.464, with Δdf of 11, significant at the 0.05 level, supporting the hypothesis of H5c.
To conduct a more in-depth analysis of the moderation effect of GS, we present in Table 14 the differences in the standardized path coefficients of SCC→CA, CA→FP, and SCC→FP between samples with and without GS. We categorized the sample into two groups: enterprises with GS (With GS) and enterprises without GS (Without GS). We constructed structural equation models to explore the differences in the influence paths among variables SCC, CA, and FP.
The results, as shown in Table 12, indicate that enterprises with GS have significant impact relationships between SCC and CA, as well as CA and FP; however, the path coefficient between SCC and FP is not statistically significant. On the other hand, enterprises without GS show a significant impact relationship between SCC and CA, and between SCC and FP, but the path coefficient between CA and FP is not significant. Moreover, we employed the bootstrap method to analyze the mediation effect of CA in both types of enterprises. The results, presented in Table 7, reveal that for enterprises with GS, the total effect and indirect effect of the SCC→FP path are significant, while the direct effect is not. This indicates that CA plays a complete mediation role. Conversely, for enterprises without GS, the total effect and direct effect of the SCC→FP path are significant. Still, the indirect effect is not significant, indicating that CA does not mediate in this case.
The results, illustrated in Figure 6, show exciting findings regarding the associations between SCC→CA, CA→FP, and SCC→FP, both with and without GS. Surprisingly, the path coefficient of unsubsidized SCC→CA (Path subsidy = 0.884) is slightly higher than that with subsidies (Path subsidy = 0.686), contrary to previous research. However, considering the research context of this article, it holds practical significance. CAs are naturally facilitated during the co-creation of value with supply chain partners. Consequently, GS may have minimal additional impact. Instead, the trust and cooperative attitudes among supply chain members play a more significant role in ensuring the stability of the collaborative alliance. Enterprises without GS may encounter market competition disadvantages due to funding constraints. As a result, SCC becomes their avenue for hope and a potential “game-changer.” They invest more effort and resources in the collaborative process, thus amplifying the positive output effect of this collaboration to establish advantages.
Regarding the association of CA→FP, the path with GS (Path subsidy = 0.743) is significant, while the path without GS (Path subsidy = 0.144) is not. This suggests that GS effectively assists companies in transforming collaborative advantages into corporate performance. While co-creating value with partners can establish unmatched CAs, companies may struggle to promptly capitalize on these advantages due to technological and cash flow constraints. GS alleviates the financing pressure of the collaborative alliance, enhances enterprise collaboration enthusiasm, and facilitates the transformation of CAs into tangible performance improvements.
For the association of SCC→FP, the path with GS (Path subsidy = 0.252) is insignificant, whereas the path without GS (Path subsidy = 0.913) is significant, deviating somewhat from previous research but bearing practical implications. Enterprises inevitably incur losses in terms of time, resources, and costs during collaborative activities. Consequently, they tend to collaborate with stronger partners, allowing them to access better technology and resources while bearing fewer costs. Even if the collaborative outcomes fall short of expectations, GS can mitigate losses and reduce the fault tolerance rate for collaborative failures. Enterprises heavily invest in collaborative alliances without government support, hoping for a turnaround. In this context, the quality of SCC outcomes exerts a more pronounced influence on enterprise performance.

4.3. Sensitivity Analysis

To further enhance the robustness of the results, we chose to utilize the stepwise regression analysis method. This approach involves gradually removing variables to assess each subdimension’s contribution to the model. As depicted in Table 15, concerning the association between SCC and CA, the regression results indicate an R2 value of 0.450, explaining 45.0% of the variance in the dependent variable. The F-statistic value is 64.830, indicating statistical significance in our regression model. The standardized coefficients for IA, GC, and CM stand at 0.354, 0.200, and 0.165, respectively. These values denote a significant influence of each variable on FP, albeit with decreasing effects. The p-value for the dimension IS is 0.443, indicating no significant impact. Turning to the relationship between CA and FP, the regression results yield an R2 of 0.435, accounting for 43.5% of the variance in the dependent variable. The F-statistic value is 60.941, confirming the statistical significance of our regression model. The standardized coefficients for PE, QL, and IN are 0.251, 0.212, and 0.191, respectively, affirming their significant impact on firm performance with diminishing effects. The p-value for the dimension BS is 0.069, suggesting no significant impact. Lastly, regarding the relationship between SCC and FP, the regression result shows an R2 of 0.574, explaining 57.4% of the variance in the dependent variable. The F-statistic value is 106.473, affirming the statistical significance of our regression model. The standardized coefficients for IA, IS, CM, and GC are 0.330, 0.221, 0.183, and 0.143, respectively, indicating their significant influence on FP. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the most influential factor contributing to CA and FP within SSC is Incentive Alignment (IA).
To assess the robustness of our results, we incorporated insights from previous research and implemented a 5% winsorize treatment on our sample data [74]. This treatment was intended to minimize the impact of outliers on our findings. Following this, we employed Amos software version 21.0 to reexamine our initial assumptions using the winsorized data. The subsequent results consistently corroborated our earlier conclusions, assuring that robustness bias does not seem to undermine the validity of our findings.

5. Discussion and Implications

5.1. Theoretical Contribution

The study contributes to the field of SCC, providing valuable insights for researchers to understand how collaboration leads to competitive advantages and improved performance. This paper delves into examining relationships among SCC, CA, and FP. Furthermore, it extends its analysis by investigating the moderating impact of GS on these relationships, utilizing questionnaire data for comparison with previous research studies [75,76].
The results indicate that SCC effectively helps enterprises and partners establish CAs. By sharing information, technology, and resources, both parties can establish equal incentive mechanisms and collaborative decision-making processes, leading to improved and innovative products, enabling them to catch up with competitors. CA is crucial in enhancing FP, especially in a general market environment without government intervention. Previous studies neglected this intermediate variable and directly linked SCC to FP, but the value generated through collaboration and shared resources contributes to higher-quality products, customer satisfaction, and increased performance returns.
Furthermore, the study finds that GS positively moderates the effects of SCC and CA on FP. These subsidies stimulate cooperation enthusiasm, reduce financial pressures, and facilitate the translation of ideas into practice, leading to richer performance returns. However, GS does not directly assist in establishing CAs, which require the cooperative efforts of both parties and effective integration and utilization of technology and resources based on the resource-based theory.

5.2. Practical Implications

The theoretical findings from this study assist entrepreneurs in strengthening their cooperation with supply chain partners and guiding the development of SCC. A mutually beneficial landscape is cultivated by fostering the reciprocal exchange of information, technology, and resources [77,78]. This, in turn, promotes equitable incentive structures and collaborative decision-making processes, ultimately empowering both parties to refine and innovate their products. As a result, they can robustly compete against industry rivals while fostering improved profitability.
Furthermore, the study highlights the positive moderating influence of GS on the interplay between SCC, CA, and FP. These subsidies act as powerful catalysts, igniting cooperative zeal, alleviating financial constraints, and facilitating the transition from conceptual ideas to tangible implementations. However, it is essential to clarify that while GS effectively bolsters the collaborative landscape, it does not singlehandedly engineer the establishment of CAs. The study affirms that creating CAs depends on orchestrated joint efforts by both partners, guided by the effective integration and exploitation of technology and resources, as framed by the resource-based theory.
In summary, enterprises can apply the findings of this study by strategically orchestrating SCC initiatives, harnessing the inherent value of Collaborative Advantages (CAs), and judiciously leveraging GS. These actions can enhance collaborative dynamics, boost financial performance, and ultimately lead to sustainable competitive positioning and enduring growth in the complex and evolving business landscape.

6. Conclusions

This study highlights the significant role of SCC in shaping CA and FP. A parallel case study further underscores the importance of considering SCC as a fundamental component within green innovation strategies [79]. In the context of the sustainable environment, an increasing number of related case studies are emerging, providing valuable insights into the pivotal role of GS [80,81]. Indeed, the study sheds light on an important finding that GS has the potential to magnify the impact of SCC on FP through CA. This suggests that government support in the form of subsidies can act as a catalyst, further enhancing the positive outcomes of SCC and ultimately benefiting FP through the creation of a CA. As a result, the study highlights the strategic value of both SCC and GS in promoting overall business success.
To measure FP, we utilized financial performance as an indicator, and GS was used to gauge the level of support provided by the government. A conceptual model was then constructed to examine the relationships among these GS, SCC, CA and FP variables. The data collection process involves administering a questionnaire, followed by rigorous reliability and validity testing of the scale using EFA and CFA. Next, a structural equation model was constructed, and hypothesis relationships were verified. As a result, the paper recommended that enterprises should actively pursue collaborative relationships with supply chain partners and seek GS to enhance FP.
Policymakers can enhance the benefits of SCC through a comprehensive approach. They should facilitate cross-sector collaboration, forging connections between diverse industries to stimulate innovation and address global challenges [82]. Sustainability should be a top priority, with incentives and support for eco-friendly collaborations and promoting sustainable practices in supply chains [83,84]. Policymakers can promote collaborative networks where businesses exchange knowledge and best practices, incentivize sustainability through tax breaks and grants, offer training programs to build effective partnerships, and develop online platforms for streamlined access to support program information. Investing in training initiatives to bolster partnership-building skills and strategically allocate resources for innovative supply chain practices can boost competitiveness. Encouraging diverse supplier relationships and fostering public–private partnerships are vital for supply chain resilience.
Recognizing exemplary collaborations through awards can motivate excellence and nurture an innovative culture within supply chains. Moreover, fostering long-term planning for collaborations can amplify their impact on overall business success and economic growth. However, future studies should also consider the potential limitations of political factors, such as differing regulatory environments, trade policies, and geopolitical tensions, which could impact the feasibility and success of cross-sector collaboration and sustainability initiatives [85].
In summary, our study underscores the strategic importance of both Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) as an internal resource and Government Subsidies (GS) as an external resource in driving overall business success. SCC enhances a firm’s competitive edge, and when combined with GS, it positively impacts Firm Performance (FP). Motivated by Transaction Cost Economics and Social Exchange Theory, firms engage in collaborative supply chain practices to reduce transaction costs and gain benefits like knowledge sharing and risk mitigation. Dynamic Capabilities Theory highlights how SCC and GS serve as critical dynamic capabilities, enabling firms to adapt and thrive in a dynamic business environment. By effectively utilizing both internal and external resources, firms can navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ultimately propelling their long-term success.
While acknowledging the limitations posed by our research sample size and scope, this study highlights the pivotal role of government subsidies in establishing collaborative advantages and thus enhancing firm performance through supply chain collaboration. These findings gain heightened significance within a dynamically evolving business landscape characterized by trends such as digitalization and data sharing, predictive analytics, sustainability collaboration, resilience and risk management, e-commerce integration, circular economy initiatives, ethical and social responsibility, robotic process automation, supply chain visibility platforms, regulatory compliance, and the diversification of partnerships. To address these limitations and build upon our insights, future research should consider more extensive and diverse samples, delve deeper into the specific mechanisms underlying these collaborations, and explore innovative strategies for leveraging these trends to foster resilient and sustainable supply chains [78,86,87].

7. Limitations

The study acknowledges limitations for future research: firstly, it highlights the need for a larger sample size to explore questionnaire data more thoroughly and suggests employing robust data collection methods like content analysis for greater precision [88]. Secondly, it suggests broadening the scope of respondents beyond grassroots managers and employees to enhance result clarity. Furthermore, the study recommends considering factors beyond government subsidies, like trust and external influences, to create a more comprehensive research model. Additionally, exploring relationships based on enterprise size and years of operation could offer more profound insights. In summary, the research underscores the importance of nurturing collaborative supply chain relationships and utilizing government support for improved firm performance and competitiveness, opening intriguing avenues for further exploration by both researchers and practitioners.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, Z.L. and Y.Z.; formal analysis, C.J.; methodology, Y.Z. and Z.L.; writing—original draft, Z.L.; software, Z.L. and C.J.; writing—review and editing, Y.Z.; visualization, J.W.; supervision, Y.Z.; project administration, Z.L. and Y.Z.; funding acquisition, Z.L. and Y.Z. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

Financial support for this research was provided by the National Social Science Foundation of China through grant number 21BGL052.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Henan University of Technology (protocol code 20222007066001, date of 23 August 2022).

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article.

Acknowledgments

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the anonymous reviewers for their valuable and constructive comments, which significantly improved the quality of this article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. Theoretical framework.
Figure 1. Theoretical framework.
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Figure 2. First-order model (a) and second-order (b) measurement model of SCC.
Figure 2. First-order model (a) and second-order (b) measurement model of SCC.
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Figure 3. First-order model (a) and second-order (b) measurement model of CA.
Figure 3. First-order model (a) and second-order (b) measurement model of CA.
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Figure 4. Measurement model of FP.
Figure 4. Measurement model of FP.
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Figure 5. Mediation effect of collaborative advantage.
Figure 5. Mediation effect of collaborative advantage.
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Figure 6. Standardized path coefficient of SCC→CA, CA→FP, SCC→FP.
Figure 6. Standardized path coefficient of SCC→CA, CA→FP, SCC→FP.
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Table 1. Sample statistical distribution.
Table 1. Sample statistical distribution.
ItemClassificationFrequencyPercentage
Industry sectorElectrical and mechanical equipment4514.0%
Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing3811.8%
Household appliance manufacturing154.7%
Construction equipment manufacturing3912.1%
Transportation and transportation equipment319.7%
Communication and electronic equipment268.1%
Food and beverage manufacturing4514.0%
Instruments and office products113.4%
Others7122.1%
Enterprise natureState-owned enterprises6720.9%
Joint venture257.8%
Private enterprise20664.2%
Foreign-funded enterprises113.4%
Others123.7%
Enterprise sizeMore than 1000 people9429.3%
501–1000 people309.3%
301–500 people4313.4%
101–300 people4915.3%
51–100 people4413.7%
50 people or less6119.0%
Establishment yearMore than 15 years10432.4%
11–15 years5015.6%
6–10 years7623.7%
4–5 years5818.1%
3 years or less3310.3%
Employee positionSenior manager226.9%
Middle manager3410.6%
Grassroots manager7322.7%
Ordinary employee18858.6%
Others41.2%
Table 2. Instruments and dimensions.
Table 2. Instruments and dimensions.
ItemDimensionCodeQuestionnaire Option
Supply Chain collaborationInformation SharingIS1Our firm can exchange relevant information within the SC.
IS2Our firm can exchange timely information within the SC.
IS3Our firm can exchange accurate information within the SC.
IS4Our firm can exchange complete information within the SC.
IS5Our firm can exchange confidential information within the SC.
Goal CongruenceGC1Our firm and SC partners can share the same goals.
GC2Our firm and SC partners can identify the importance of shared collaboration.
GC3Our firm and SC partners can identify the importance of SC improvements.
GC4Our firm and SC partners can achieve our own goals based on SC goals.
GC5Our firm and SC partners can achieve the SC goals through collaborative planning.
Incentive AlignmentIA1Our firm and SC partners can evaluate each other’s performance by sharing systems.
IA2Our firm and SC partners have the willingness to jointly bear costs.
IA3Our firm and SC partners have the potential to collectively reap benefits.
IA4Our firm and SC partners have the capability to distribute risks within the SC.
IA5The motivation for our firm can match our risks and investment within the SC.
Collaborative CommunicationCM1Our firm and SC partners can contact each other regularly.
CM2Our firm and SC partners can engage in reciprocal and open communication.
CM3Our firm and SC partners can engage in reciprocal and informal communication.
CM4Our firm and SC partners can reciprocally communicate through various channels.
CM5Our firm and SC partners can mutually influence decisions through discussions.
Collaborative advantageProcess EfficiencyPE1Our firm and SC partners can meet the unit costs within industry norms.
PE2Our firm and SC partners can meet the productivity within industry norms.
PE3Our firm and SC partners can meet the delivery requirements within industry norms.
PE4Our firm and SC partners can meet the inventory needs within industry norms.
Business SynergyBS1Our firm and SC partners can share information by integrating IT systems.
BS2We can share knowledge bases within the SC.
BS3We can integrate market efforts within the SC.
BS4We can integrate production systems within the SC.
QualityQL1We can deliver highly reliable products by the SC.
QL2We can deliver highly durable products by the SC.
QL3We can deliver high-quality products by the SC.
QL4We can improve product quality by collaboration within the SC.
InnovationIN1We can provide the market with new products quickly by the SC.
IN2We can develop new products rapidly by the SC.
IN3Our product development cycle is faster than the industry average.
IN4We can carry out many innovative activities frequently.
Firm performanceSaleFP1Our firm and SC partners have experienced an increase in sales.
ReturnFP2Our firm and SC partners have experienced an increase in returns.
ROIFP3Our firm and SC partners have experienced an increase in ROI.
MarginFP4Our firm and SC partners have experienced an increase in operating margin.
Table 3. KMO and Bartlett Test.
Table 3. KMO and Bartlett Test.
VariableKMOBartlett Test
Approx. Chi-Squaredfp Value
Supply chain collaboration0.9343005.800171***
Collaborative advantage0.9442460.193120***
Firm performance0.808496.8116***
Note: *** less than 0.001.
Table 4. Exploratory factor analysis of SCC.
Table 4. Exploratory factor analysis of SCC.
Supply chain collaborationFactor Loading (Rotated)
ItemComponent
Factor 1Factor 2Factor 3Factor 4
IS1 0.701
IS2 0.645
IS3 0.732
IS4 0.577
GC1 0.704
GC2 0.698
GC3 0.692
GC4 0.647
GC5 0.635
IA1 0.651
IA2 0.735
IA3 0.680
IA4 0.646
IA5 0.533
CM10.612
CM20.659
CM30.714
CM40.743
CM50.715
% of Variance45.326%6.332%6.012%4.632%
62.302%
Table 5. Exploratory factor analysis of CA.
Table 5. Exploratory factor analysis of CA.
Collaborative advantageFactor Loading (Rotated)
ItemComponent
Factor 1Factor 2Factor 3Factor 4
PE1 0.671
PE2 0.629
PE3 0.613
PE4 0.757
BS10.728
BS20.596
BS30.741
BS40.666
QL1 0.727
QL2 0.691
QL3 0.689
QL4 0.612
IN1 0.663
IN2 0.703
IN3 0.718
IN40.604 a
% of Variance47.539%6.760%6.234%4.905%
65.438%
Note a: The item of IN4 needs to be eliminated due to the mismatch.
Table 6. Exploratory factor analysis of FP.
Table 6. Exploratory factor analysis of FP.
Firm performanceItemFactor Loading
FP10.817
FP20.818
FP30.782
FP40.867
% of Variance67.499%
Table 7. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of SCC.
Table 7. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of SCC.
ItemStandardized Regression Weightt-ValueCRAVECronbach’s Alpha
IS10.709-0.8220.5370.791
IS20.75912.379
IS30.7111.629
IS40.74612.176
GC10.729-0.8480.5290.847
GC20.71212.151
GC30.77813.279
GC50.71612.223
GC40.6911.782
IA10.627-0.8140.4660.813
IA20.679.813
IA30.71410.292
IA40.69310.064
IA50.72310.385
CM10.741-0.8410.5140.843
CM40.70112.035
CM20.74412.789
CM30.69111.860
CM50.71212.232
Table 8. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of CA.
Table 8. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of CA.
ItemStandardized Regression Weightt-ValueCRAVECronbach’s Alpha
PE10.758-0.8120.520.816
PE20.76413.347
PE30.70912.346
PE40.65211.299
BS10.711-0.8110.5190.814
BS20.6911.238
BS30.74312.025
BS40.72911.829
QL10.751-0.8210.5360.823
QL20.67911.706
QL30.76313.207
QL40.72812.589
IN10.75-0.7440.4930.779
IN20.71311.602
IN30.64810.595
Table 9. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of FP.
Table 9. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of FP.
ItemStandardized Regression Weightt-ValueCRAVECronbach’s Alpha
FP10.735-0.840.570.839
FP20.75112.330
FP30.68111.242
FP40.84413.292
Table 10. Correlations between constructs (n = 321).
Table 10. Correlations between constructs (n = 321).
VariableISGCIACMPEBSQLINFP
IS0.733
GC0.706 ***0.727
IA0.641 ***0.625 ***0.684
CM0.634 ***0.667 ***0.652 ***0.717
PE0.609 ***0.627 ***0.671 ***0.645 ***0.72
BS0.537 ***0.499 ***0.607 ***0.503 ***0.673 ***0.72
QL0.561 ***0.554 ***0.514 ***0.546 ***0.683 ***0.627 ***0.732
IN0.513 ***0.468 ***0.531 ***0.475 ***0.582 ***0.624 ***0.636 ***0.702
FP0.522 ***0.566 ***0.618 ***0.56 ***0.584 ***0.536 ***0.577 ***0.544 ***0.756
Note: The square root of AVE is on the diagonal. *** p < 0.001.
Table 11. Fit indices of the measurement model.
Table 11. Fit indices of the measurement model.
DimensionValidity (Goodness of Fit)
Modelχ2/dfGFIAGFIRESEANFICFI
Supply chain collaborationfirst-order2.2170.9080.8800.0620.8950.939
second-order2.2360.9060.8800.0620.8920.937
Collaborative advantagefirst-order2.0150.9320.9030.0560.9270.961
second-order2.0690.9290.9010.0580.9230.958
Firm performance 1.0010.9970.9840.0020.9961.000
Table 12. Fit indices of the structural model.
Table 12. Fit indices of the structural model.
Structural PathStandardized
Estimate		S.E.C.R.pModel Fit
χ2/dfGFIAGFIRESEANFICFI
H1. SCC→CA0.8470.06312.564***1.8990.9530.9280.0530.9600.980
H2. CA→FP0.3960.1703.0370.002
H3. SCC→FP0.4140.1563.1540.002
Note: *** p < 0.001.
Table 13. The moderation effect of government subsidies using multigroup analysis.
Table 13. The moderation effect of government subsidies using multigroup analysis.
HypothesisModelCMINDFCMIN/DFGFIAGFIRESEANFICFIΔχ2Δdfp
H5a. SCC→CAUnrestricted152.4211021.4940.9280.8900.0390.9360.9789.57110.579
Restricted161.9811131.4330.9240.8950.0370.9320.978
H5b. CA→FPUnrestricted152.4211021.4940.9280.8900.0390.9360.97820.276110.042 *
Restricted172.6971131.5280.9170.8860.0410.9280.974
H5c. SCC→FPUnrestricted152.4211021.4940.9280.8900.0390.9360.97820.464110.039 *
Restricted172.8851131.5300.9170.8860.0410.9280.974
Note: * p < 0.05.
Table 14. Moderation effect of GS.
Table 14. Moderation effect of GS.
SCC→FPTypeBootstrapping
Bias-Corrected
Confidence Intervalp
Lower-BoundUpper-Bound
Total effectWith GS0.5370.7940.001
Without GS0.8431.2750.001
direct effectWith GS−0.1280.5700.180
Without GS0.2431.3510.006
indirect effectWith GS0.1770.7940.004
Without GS−0.5030.5530.643
Mediation effect of CA on the relationship of SCC and FPWith GSComplete mediation
Without GSno mediation effect
Table 15. Sensitivity analysis results.
Table 15. Sensitivity analysis results.
Structural PathDimensionStandardized CoefficientpR2FSig
SCC→CAIS0.0490.4430.45064.830***
GC0.200**
IA0.354***
CM0.165**
CA→FPPE0.251***0.43560.941***
BS0.1150.069
QL0.212**
IN0.191**
SCC→FPIS0.221***0.574106.473***
GC0.143*
IA0.330***
CM0.183**
Note: * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.
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MDPI and ACS Style

Liu, Z.; Jiao, C.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, J. Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies. Sustainability 2023, 15, 15329. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115329

AMA Style

Liu Z, Jiao C, Zhang Y, Wang J. Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies. Sustainability. 2023; 15(21):15329. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115329

Chicago/Turabian Style

Liu, Zhe, Chenghao Jiao, Yudong Zhang, and Jiaji Wang. 2023. "Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies" Sustainability 15, no. 21: 15329. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115329

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