The impact of AI on construction supply chain performance: a mediated moderation model

Purpose During the ongoing digital transformation, enhancing construction supply chain performance (CSCP) has become a central objective within the construction industry. This study aims to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) enhances CSCP by examining the mediating role of supply chain integration (SCI) and the moderating role of supply chain dynamism (SCD). It addresses key research gaps in understanding the mechanisms through which AI impacts CSCP in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model was developed to explore the relationships among AI, SCI, SCD and CSCP. SCI was conceptualized through operational, informational and relational integration. A survey was conducted with 336 middle and senior managers from Chinese construction enterprises. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The results demonstrate that AI significantly improves CSCP through its positive effects on operational, informational and relational integration. Furthermore, the positive impact of AI on SCI is amplified under conditions of high SCD. These findings confirm the mediating role of SCI and the moderating role of SCD, highlighting the conditions under which AI most effectively enhances CSCP. Originality/value This study advances supply chain performance research by uncovering the mediating mechanism of SCI and identifying the contextual importance of SCD in the construction sector. It fills notable gaps in existing literature, which has predominantly focused on manufacturing contexts and offers actionable insights for practitioners aiming to leverage AI for supply chain optimization and digital transformation in construction.