PurposeThe study aims to explore dynamic capabilities such as innovation, entrepreneurial leadership, absorptive capability, and the dimension of entrepreneurial orientation in the handicraft sector to enhance supply chain resilience and innovation during unprecedented times. This study also used innovation as a mediating construct and supply chain orientation as a moderating construct.Design/methodology/approachWe gathered data from the handicraft sector in the Uttar Pradesh (UP) in India using a pretested questionnaire. We used variance-based partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test our research hypotheses.FindingsOur study indicates that to enhance innovation and improve supply chain resilience, firms should focus on developing dynamic capabilities such as entrepreneurial leadership, absorptive capacity, artificial intelligence (AI), innovativeness, risk-taking ability, and protectiveness. The study highlights the significant role of dynamic capabilities in the handicraft sector during times of crisis, enabling innovation and resilience to risk.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the significant role of dynamic capabilities in the handicraft sector during times of crisis, enabling innovation and resilience to risk.Originality/valueThis study provides significant insights into the current understanding of dynamic capability theory and supply chain orientation and expands upon the existing literature in this field. It comprehensively analyses the latest research and advances knowledge in this area.