Purpose This paper explores how digital leadership (DL), digital maturity (DM) and information sharing (IS) influence resilience and performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It presents the concept of SMEs' reliance on digital transformation (DT) capabilities to explain how firms adapt and succeed in volatile markets. Design/methodology/approach A structured cross-sectional survey of 623 Finnish SMEs, yielding 130 valid responses. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with mediation analysis was used to analyse relationships among DL, DM, IS, resilience and performance. Findings The results suggest that DL and DM are not directly related to resilience. Instead, their associations with resilience appear to be linked through IS, which functions as a central intermediary within the observed network of relationships. Furthermore, resilience demonstrates a positive association with company performance. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional Finnish sample restricts causal inference and generalisability. The study suggests SMEs depend on DT and calls for longitudinal, multi-country research on moderators and adoption barriers. Practical implications SME leaders and policymakers should invest in DL and DM and prioritise IS capabilities and governance to enhance resilience and performance. Originality/value The study identifies a capability pathway where IS mediates the effects of DL and DM on resilience and performance and presents a model of DT's strategic value for SME adaptability.
Treves et al. (Fri,) studied this question.