Boundary-Spanning Knowledge Search and Absorptive Capacity in Cooperative Innovation: A Study on Non-Core Firms in the Context of Sustainable Development

Dongping Yu, Tongyue Zhao, Jiuyue Chen and Junjun Li ()
Additional contact information
Dongping Yu: Yunnan University of Finance and Economics
Tongyue Zhao: Yunnan University of Finance and Economics
Jiuyue Chen: Yunnan University of Finance and Economics
Junjun Li: International College, National Institute of Development Administration

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2024, vol. 15, issue 4, No 147, 19542-19569

Abstract: Abstract This research paper investigates the vital role of boundary-spanning knowledge search and absorptive capacity in shaping the cooperative innovation performance of non-core firms operating in the context of sustainable development. The dynamic nature of technological innovation, exacerbated by market flattening and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has compelled small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to seek innovative breakthroughs. Cooperative innovation emerges as a strategic avenue for SMEs to mitigate risks and enhance their willingness to innovate. However, non-core firms often encounter technological and market disadvantages, hindering innovation efforts. This study explores how boundary-spanning knowledge search, which bridges the gap between non-core firms and the external environment, influences cooperative innovation. Furthermore, the research delves into the mediating role of both potential and actual absorptive capacity in the relationship between boundary-spanning knowledge search and cooperative innovation performance. Empirical findings indicate that boundary-spanning knowledge searches positively impact cooperative innovation, with technological and market knowledge searches yield significant results. Moreover, absorptive capacity exhibits a dual mechanism, directly influencing cooperative innovation and mediating the relationship between knowledge search and performance. This paper extends existing research by focusing on non-core firms within the sustainable development context, offering valuable insights for SMEs seeking innovative strategies. It also highlights the diverse pathways through which boundary-spanning knowledge search affects cooperative innovation. These findings offer practical implications for enhancing non-core firms’ innovation capabilities, including encouraging proactive knowledge search and developing absorptive capacity-inducing mechanisms through employee training and information platforms.

Keywords: Cooperative innovation; Non-core firms; Boundary-spanning knowledge search; Absorptive capacity; Sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L25 M11 O32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s13132-024-01930-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_s13132-024-01930-z

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

DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-01930-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 ().