The Synergy of Digital Transformation and Green Innovation on Sme Sustainability Performance: The Mediating Role of Esg Management in High-Quality Development

The global business landscape has entered a period of rapid structural change, where the fusion of cutting-edge digital technologies, the urgency of ecological sustainability, and constantly shifting market dynamics redefine how organizations compete, survive, and grow. This multidimensional pressure is acutely felt by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the economy in emerging markets. This research report presents a comprehensive academic analysis of how digital transformation and green innovation interact to drive high-quality development in SMEs, positioning Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management as the central mediating mechanism. Through the integrative lens of the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, this report unpacks the transmission routes through which investments in digital assets and green technology capabilities yield resilient and sustainable competitive advantages. Furthermore, ESG management operates as a crucial partial mediator, translating digital and green capabilities into high-quality business performance outcomes. Rooted in the academic context of the Yangtze River Delta Economic Belt a strategic industrial hub frequently studied by leading institutions such as the Business School at Yangzhou University this report outlines advanced strategic insights for executives and policymakers navigating the dual economy transition.