Vo Huu Khanh

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
Export performance has become crucial for Vietnamese manufacturing SMEs as they face digital transformation and stronger global competition. This study investigates how resource-based determinants affect the export performance of Vietnamese manufacturing SMEs, with absorptive capacity (mediation) and international competition (moderation). Cross-sectional survey data from 420 manufacturing SMEs in Vietnam were collected during February–August 2025 and completed by authorized firm representatives (owners/directors/senior managers). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (SmartPLS 4.1) with 5,000 bootstraps was employed. Digital transformation (β = 0.304, p < 0.01), logistics infrastructure (β = 0.289, p < 0.01), and human capital (β = 0.284, p < 0.001) are the strongest predictors; marketing capability (β = 0.124, p < 0.01) and access to finance (β = 0.108, p < 0.01) are positive. Absorptive capacity positively affects exports (β = 0.161, p < 0.01) and mediates four determinants (the most significant for human capital, indirect β = 0.046, p < 0.01). International competition strengthens the effect of human capital (β = 0.115, p < 0.01) but weakens marketing capability (β = –0.102, p < 0.01). The model explains 57.3% of the variance in export performance. These findings highlight the need for policies promoting digital adoption, logistics upgrades, and human-capital development, while firms should enhance learning capabilities and recalibrate marketing strategies under increasing competitive pressure.

Type of the article: Research Article

Abstract
This study examines the relationships among green innovation, digital transformation, and export performance in Vietnamese exporting firms, with particular attention to the moderating role of digital transformation. Data were collected through a structured survey conducted between April and December 2025. The final sample comprised 292 valid firm-level responses, with one respondent representing each exporting firm. Respondents were managers, executives, or functional staff directly involved in export operations, production, logistics, or strategic decision-making. Ordinary least squares regression with an interaction term was employed to test the proposed relationships. When digital transformation was at its sample mean, green innovation was positively and significantly associated with export performance (B = 0.169, p < 0.001). Correspondingly, when green innovation was at its sample mean, digital transformation was positively and significantly associated with export performance (B = 0.235, p < 0.001). The interaction between green innovation and digital transformation was positive and statistically significant (B = 0.587, p < 0.001), indicating that the association between green innovation and export performance became more positive as digital transformation increased. Conditional-slope analysis revealed a crossover interaction: the relationship was negative at a selected lower level of digital transformation, positive at its sample mean, and substantially stronger at a selected higher level. The model explained 44.6% of the variance in export performance. These findings highlight the complementarity of green and digital capabilities and suggest that digital transformation is an important enabling condition for translating green innovation into stronger export-related outcomes in an emerging economy.