Digital Capabilities and Ambidextrous Innovation: Evidence from Chinese Technology-Based SMEs

Xinyu Wang, Guangkui Han, Keqiang Wu, Jialiang He, Xiaohan Ma, Quan Zhou and Xiongying Chen ()
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Xinyu Wang: Institute of Human Resource Management, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
Guangkui Han: School of Management, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100101, China
Keqiang Wu: Faculty of Applied Economics, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing 102488, China
Jialiang He: School of Management, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100101, China
Xiaohan Ma: School of Management, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100101, China
Quan Zhou: School of Management, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100101, China
Xiongying Chen: Institute of Human Resource Management, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-19

Abstract: Ambidextrous innovation is key to the high-quality and sustainable development of enterprises, but it remains unclear how digital capabilities affect knowledge management and ambidextrous innovation in the digital economy era. Based on organizational learning theory, this paper explores the impact pathways of digital capabilities on knowledge management and ambidextrous innovation, while also analyzing the moderating effect of knowledge inertia. Empirical research on 253 technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) demonstrates that digital capabilities have a significant positive effect on both exploitative and exploratory innovation, and they influence both types of innovation through the mediating role of knowledge management. Furthermore, knowledge inertia negatively moderates the impact of digital capabilities on knowledge management and exploratory innovation. This study reveals the internal mechanism by which digital capabilities drive ambidextrous innovation through knowledge management, providing theoretical support for enterprises to deepen digitalization and carry out ambidextrous innovation.

Keywords: digital capabilities; ambidextrous innovation; knowledge management; knowledge inertia; technology-based SMEs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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