Unlocking Creativity: The Impact of Inventors’ Knowledge Complementarity and Substitutability in Moderating Structural Holes

Jingxue Wang (), Chengjun Wang and Yang Li
Additional contact information
Jingxue Wang: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Chengjun Wang: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Yang Li: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2024, vol. 15, issue 4, No 87, 17847-17880

Abstract: Abstract This study delves into the intricate dynamics of network structures and their influence on creativity within innovation networks, emphasizing the pivotal role of knowledge diversity. It introduces the novel concept of “network content view,” a perspective focusing on the knowledge characteristics of network actors, namely knowledge complementarity and substitutability. Our research posits that these knowledge dimensions critically modulate the relationship between structural holes and creative output. We assert that both knowledge complementarity and substitutability enrich the advantages provided by structural holes in networks. Complementarity enhances the creative process by facilitating the integration of disparate knowledge domains, while substitutability ensures efficient assimilation and application of similar knowledge elements. The study’s empirical analysis, utilizing data from 33 pharmaceutical companies, employs a negative binomial model to explore these relationships. Our findings reveal that knowledge complementarity and substitutability significantly bolster the creative benefits derived from structural holes. However, the balance and interaction between these knowledge types optimally leverage the potential of structural gaps for fostering creativity. The research contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of network content alongside structure in stimulating innovation. Practically, this study guides managers and inventors in capitalizing on network positions and knowledge attributes to cultivate a fertile environment for creativity. It underscores the need for strategic management of knowledge resources within networks, aligning with the imperatives of the knowledge economy. Thus, this research enhances theoretical understanding and offers practical insights for fostering innovation in information-intensive settings like the pharmaceutical industry.

Keywords: Inventors; Innovative network; Pharmaceutical industry; Knowledge complementarity; Knowledge substitutability; Structural holes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s13132-024-01825-z Abstract (text/html)
Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:15:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s13132-024-01825-z

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/economics/journal/13132

DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-01825-z

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of the Knowledge Economy is currently edited by Elias G. Carayannis

More articles in Journal of the Knowledge Economy from Springer, Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET)
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().