Boundary-spanning search and breakthrough innovation: the moderating role of big data analytics capability
Journal of Enterprise Information Management
ISSN: 1741-0398
Article publication date: 11 June 2024
Issue publication date: 17 July 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The rapid advancement of digital transformation requires a shift in firms’ focus from past met needs to both latent future and unmet past needs. However, how boundary-spanning search with future orientation and past orientation affects breakthrough innovation remains unclear. This study thus aims to investigate the relationship between boundary-spanning search and breakthrough innovation from the perspective of search orientation.
Design/methodology/approach
In terms of search orientation, this study divides boundary-spanning search into forward-looking search and backward-looking search. Drawing on resource-based view, this study develops a theoretical model in which big data analytics capability moderates the effects of forward-looking and backward-looking searches on breakthrough innovation. Empirical analyses were conducted on data from China’s advanced manufacturing firms. Research model and hypotheses were tested through multiple regression.
Findings
The results confirm that forward-looking search has a positive effect on breakthrough innovation, and big data analytics capability strengthens this positive effect. Furthermore, backward-looking search has an inverted U-shaped effect on breakthrough innovation. Interestingly, as big data analytics capability increases, this inverted U-shaped curve flattens and becomes almost linear.
Originality/value
This study uncovers the different effects of boundary-spanning search with different orientations on breakthrough innovation and extends the research on the relationship between boundary-spanning search and breakthrough innovation by incorporating search orientation. Furthermore, by demonstrating the moderating role of big data analytics capability, this study provides a crucial condition under which boundary-spanning search can enhance breakthrough innovation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors appreciate the help of anonymous reviewers and Professor Zahir Irani in improving this paper.
Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 72172126]; and the Project for High-level Talents of North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power [grant number 202209004].
Citation
Yang, M. and Wang, J. (2024), "Boundary-spanning search and breakthrough innovation: the moderating role of big data analytics capability", Journal of Enterprise Information Management, Vol. 37 No. 4, pp. 1301-1321. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-09-2023-0512
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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