Firm innovation: technological boundary-spanning search and knowledge base and distance
ISSN: 0025-1747
Article publication date: 2 January 2024
Issue publication date: 22 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Technical knowledge is a key factor in firm innovation. This study aims to construct a theoretical framework of technological boundary-spanning search, exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation to help firms adjust their search strategies and improve the effect of external resources on internal innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses questionnaires to collect data and conducts empirical analysis using SPSS25 and AMOS24.
Findings
Technological boundary-spanning search is positively correlated with ambidextrous innovation. Additionally, knowledge base positively moderates the effect of technological boundary-spanning search on ambidextrous innovation and knowledge distance negatively moderates the effect of technological boundary-spanning search on ambidextrous innovation. When a firm’s knowledge base is robust, its ambidextrous innovation can benefit more from technological boundary-spanning search. Additionally, when the knowledge distance is less, a firm’s ambidextrous innovation can benefit more from technological boundary-spanning search.
Originality/value
Considering organizational ambidexterity, this study divides firm innovation into exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation and presents a theoretical framework for the effect of technological boundary-spanning search on ambidextrous innovation. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the crucial roles of knowledge base and knowledge distance in the relationship between technological boundary-spanning search and exploratory and exploitative innovation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was partially funded by National Social Science Fund of China (No: 23AZD018). The authors would like to express their sincere thanks to the reviewers for their effort to improve the quality of this paper.
Citation
Zhu, X., Yang, N., Zhang, M. and Wang, Y. (2024), "Firm innovation: technological boundary-spanning search and knowledge base and distance", Management Decision, Vol. 62 No. 1, pp. 326-351. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-02-2023-0238
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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