Impact of Financial Literacy, Inclusion, and Technology on Business Resilience and Sustainable Performance in Bengkulu’s Dried Fish Industry

Abstract

Dried fish processing businesses support coastal economies by generating employment and increasing the value-added of fisheries products. Sustainability remains challenged by limited financial management capabilities, restricted access to formal financial services, and inadequate utilization of financial technology. This study investigates the influence of financial literacy, financial inclusion, and financial technology on business resilience and sustainable performance among dried fish processing enterprises in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. The study involved 488 business actors from seven dried fish production centers selected by census. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0. The results reveal that financial capabilities remain insufficient, particularly in financial planning, access to financing, and application of financial instruments. Financial literacy demonstrates a positive and significant effect on business resilience and sustainable performance, indicating that financial knowledge enhances adaptive capacity and business continuity. Financial technology contributes positively to business resilience but has a negative effect on sustainable performance, as its adoption remains focused on payment transactions rather than broader functions such as financing, investment, and risk management. Conversely, financial inclusion does not show a significant influence on either business resilience or sustainable performance. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening financial literacy and promoting adoption of financial technology.