Given the importance of exports in economic development and competitiveness, the present study was designed to examine the role of value chain management in improving the export performance of pharmaceutical companies in Alborz province, considering the mediating role of competitive advantage. This study seeks to identify how value chains can be leveraged effectively and to provide practical strategies for process optimization and increasing companies’ share in international markets.
This applied quantitative study was conducted using a descriptive–correlational approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire in winter 2026, and statistical analyses were performed to test the hypotheses and evaluate the conceptual model. The population included all pharmaceutical companies in Alborz province, and purposive non-probability sampling was used, resulting in 201 valid questionnaires. analysis was conducted using Smart PLS-3.
Descriptive analysis showed that the status of value chain management, competitive advantage, and export performance in Alborz pharmaceutical companies is at a moderate to relatively high level, with value chain management playing an important role in enhancing competitive advantage and export performance. Structural equation modeling confirmed all three research hypotheses.
The results indicate that value chain management directly improves companies’ export performance by enhancing efficiency in procurement, production, packaging, services, and human resource development, thus increasing responsiveness to international markets. Value chain management also strengthens competitive advantage by optimizing processes, improving product quality, reducing costs, and providing differentiated services, which enhances a company’s superiority over competitors. Competitive advantage itself has a direct relationship with export performance, improving customer satisfaction and market share through higher product quality, faster responsiveness, and better services. Moreover, part of the effect of value chain management on export performance is transmitted through the strengthening of competitive advantage, with this mediating pathway playing a key role in enhancing export performance.