Exploring ICT integration's impact on supply chain agility and business innovation.

This research aims to examine how the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) enhances supply chain agility (SCA) and business innovation. Moreover, we analyze the mediating role of SCA on the relationship between ICT integration and business innovation. A quantitative approach with causal-predictive research was performed, using a sample of 1,078 small and medium-sized firms (SMEs). Data was collected through a self-administered survey from a random sample of 1,078 Mexican SMEs. The results indicate that ICT integration significantly influences both SCA and innovation. Additionally, SCA not only demonstrates a significant influence on innovation but also plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between ICT integration and innovation in Mexican SMEs. These findings suggest that ICT integration can be a crucial strategy to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulate SCA and business innovation. Therefore, this study provides critical information for decision-makers to promote the growth and efficiency of their firms in facing global challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]