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The role of inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms (IOKMs) in learning networks is increasing so that the competition of business networks in providing innovations is highly dependent on the effective selection and application of these mechanisms. This study aims to argue that recognizing the classification of IOKMs and understanding their impact on networking capability (NC) makes the selection of mechanisms more effective.

With a systematic review of literature, a comprehensive list of IOKMs, their main characteristics and NCs have been extracted. The authors have used a focus group for data gathering and a hybrid multi-layer decision-making approach for data analysis. Finally, the impact of IOKMs on NC was determined.

By implementing a multi-layer decision-making approach, four categories of IOKMs including person-to-person, co-creation, team-oriented and informational are illustrated and their effects of NC are determined. Therefore, the findings of this research provide latecomer firms (LCFs) managers with a clear framework for selecting IOKMs.

The literature review shows that the number of knowledge mechanisms, especially their inter-organizational types, is increasing. It has made it difficult for LCFs managers to select effective and efficient mechanisms. Most of these mechanisms are listed, and few studies have classified them. Besides, research shows that fewer studies have investigated how IOKMs relate to NC. Furthermore, most studies on IOKMs have been conducted in the context of leading firms and LCFs have been neglected.

The experience of successful firms has proven that one of the most important ways to promote co-learning and create successful networked innovations is the proper application of inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms. This study aims to use a resource-action-performance framework to open the black box on the relationship between networking capability and innovation performance. The research population embraces companies in the Iranian automotive industry.

Due to the latent nature of the variables studied, the required data are collected through a web-based cross-sectional survey. First, the content validity of the measurement tool is evaluated by experts. Then, a pre-test is conducted to assess the reliability of the measurement tool. All data are gathered by the Iranian Vehicle Manufacturers Association (IVMA) and Iranian Auto Parts Manufacturers Association (IAPMA) samples. The power analysis method and G*Power software are used to determine the sample size. Moreover, SmartPLS 3 and IBM SPSS 25 software are used for data analysis of the conceptual model and relating hypotheses.

The results of this study indicated that the relationships between networking capability, inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms and inter-organizational learning result in a self-reinforcing loop, with a marked impact on firm innovation performance.

Since there is little understanding of the interdependencies of networking capability, inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms, co-learning and their effect on firm innovation performance, most previous research studies have focused on only one or two of the above-mentioned variables. Thus, their cumulative effect has not examined yet. Looking at inter-organizational relationships from a network perspective and knowledge-based view (KBV), and to consider the simultaneous effect of knowledge mechanisms and learning as intermediary actions alongside, to consider the performance effect of the capability-building process, are the main advantages of this research.

The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the existing literature and provide a comprehensive overview by compiling and synthesizing the dispersed body of knowledge in the networking capability (NC) literature stream. Therefore, this review study contributes to the research by presenting a summary of the NC complex construct.

The authors have tried to cover the literature gap in the NC area through a systematic review.

The theoretical contributions of this study to the NC literature stream are fourfold. First, while critically reviewing existing definitions, the authors present an integrated definition of NC. Second, the authors delineate the conceptual boundary between NC and other similar capabilities. Third, the authors found that the focal firms’ NC consists of two key dimensions: network development capability (NDC) and network management capability (NMC). Fourth, they contribute to the literature by providing a set of suggestions for further research in the NC literature stream.

This study has some limitations, like other review studies. First, although the authors have tried their best to conduct a comprehensive literature search, they may have missed a study. Second, it should be noted that this study has confined itself to a particular stream of literature. Undoubtedly, in other streams, there will be issues similar to the concepts discussed in this study. The main purpose of this study is to integrate a series of studies that have a common theoretical foundation and fall within a particular literature stream. Although the focus of this study may be positive, it can be said that the deprivation of achievements from other similar streams is one of the limitations of this study. Third, another limitation of this study is the lack of verification of the conceptual framework derived from the literature that needs to be addressed in future research.

This study suggests a set of practical implications for industrial managers. First, the authors summarize the firms’ capabilities needed to develop and manage networks in one single source. Based on the conceptual framework of this study, firms can develop managerial tools, technological options, checklists and questionnaires and monitor the status of NC in their surrounding network on an ongoing basis. Second, the present research shows that some NCs are more repetitive than others, and therefore, it can be said that managers should pay more attention to them. The critical NCs, such as determining network position, determining network size, partner selection and attraction, coordination, inter-firm knowledge sharing and conflict resolution, are included in this study. Third, the argument of this study that both NDC and NMC should be considered simultaneously can be thought of as an important practical implication. Although in terms of the network life cycle, NDC is required earlier than NMC, these two capabilities should be used in parallel. Managers should not expect network development to be perfect and then network management to begin; therefore, NMCs should be used during network development.

Research shows that most network studies focus more on network antecedents and outputs and less on processes and related capabilities. Some researchers have made few efforts to identify and scrutinize capabilities related to business relationships. In this context, IMP scholars have introduced NC to emphasize the network perspective. Despite the considerable conceptual and empirical richness, the existence of different nomenclatures and theoretical diversity in NC literature has led to conceptual ambiguity and a lack of consensus on this crucial complex construct.

Literature survey shows that it is not clear how knowledge management capability (KMC) and ambidexterity capability affect entrepreneurial creativity (EC) and entrepreneurial intensity (EI) promotion. While empirical studies have emphasized the importance of these factors in improving business performance, the cumulative effect and self-reinforcing loops of these factors in improving firm performance have not been identified. In this regard, the study seeks to investigate how to increase the entrepreneurial capabilities of KMC, EI, EC and ambidexterity of food firms to improve their performance.

The method of the present study is applied in terms of purpose and is quantitative in terms of data collection. In order to collect the data, a questionnaire was designed that contained the variables of the conceptual model of the research. This questionnaire was distributed among industrial and academic experts in the Iranian food industry. The method of data collection is an online cross-sectional survey, and the method of data analysis is structural equation modeling using Smart PLS software to analyze the conceptual model.

The present study is cross-sectional survey research that examines the impact of KMC, EC and EI on firm performance by considering the mediating role of organizational ambidexterity. The research study shows a positive impact of entrepreneurial capabilities as KMC, EI, EC and ambidexterity on performance. Accordingly, if a firm builds KMC and fosters EC, it can achieve ambidextrous innovation and thus enhance its EI and performance in the food industry.

This study highlights the knowledge-based view (KBV) in explaining the role of KMC on innovative capabilities and its influence on performance. Research findings shed light on the importance of KMC as a prerequisite for innovation strategy. The study has also established the mediating role of ambidexterity in entrepreneurial value creation. According to the results, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)' performance is positively influenced by entrepreneurial capabilities as KMC, EI, EC and ambidexterity.

This paper gives insights into how SMEs can improve their performance to gain a competitive advantage by developing knowledge and creative ideas in line with entrepreneurial goals. In this regard, the food industry can adopt new strategies to reduce the impact of these challenges to achieve superior performance and competitive advantage.

This study argues that having an entrepreneurial culture and market orientation are critical for young enterprises to gain competitive advantage and superior international performance. We investigate how young entrepreneurial companies despite their limited resources and experience expand rapidly in foreign markets almost from their inception.

This investigation uses a mixed-methods approach, combining in-depth interviews and survey data. In-depth interviews lead us to conceptualise a model highlighting the importance of international knowledge, international orientation, international networking and international commitment as entrepreneurial culture and market orientation for gaining competitive advantage and, in return, superior performance in the international market. Then, the derived conceptual model is empirically tested on a sample of Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Results show that entrepreneurial culture is positively associated with competitive advantage and international performance, while market orientation is positively related to competitive advantage but not to international performance. In addition, government support strengthens the positive effect of competitive advantage on international performance.

This study investigation analyses the importance of entrepreneurial culture and market orientation in contributing to competitive advantage and superior performance. In addition, this study examines the critical role of government support in the relationships between entrepreneurial culture and competitive advantage and between competitive advantage and international performance.

This study explores the effects of competitive intensity and innovation orientation on export outcomes, including export entrepreneurship (EE) and export performance (EP), and determines the direct and moderating impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) among exporting agricultural and food (agri-food) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iran.

Using systematic random sampling, 296 firms participating in the international food and agricultural industries exhibition filled out a questionnaire. Smart PLS3 software was used to analyze the data.

The competitive intensity has positive effects on export entrepreneurship of Iranian agri-food SMEs. Additionally, innovation orientation, CSR and EE positively impact EP. However, the moderating impact of CSR on the relationship between innovation orientation and EP was not supported by data.

The current study enriches the existing knowledge in international business in the specific setting of exporting agri-food SMEs operating in a developing economy.

Although a body of studies investigates how networking capabilities (NCs) form and maintain interorganizational relationships that affect firm performance, little is known about this relationship in crisis contexts. This article explores managers' perceptions of environmental uncertainties and how this perception influences NC development and subsequent firm performance, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

The authors used a quantitative research approach to complete this objective, utilizing primary data from a survey of North American firms (N = 212), mostly (62.3%) small- and medium-sized. Data were analyzed via the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

The authors found that managers' perception of environmental uncertainties positively impacts the NCs to initiate and develop relationships, which is associated with better firm performance during crises. The capability to initiate and develop relationships supports the firm's access to relevant resources that may be converted into business performance.

By analyzing managers' perceptions of environmental uncertainties and the development of NCs, the study results expand upon previous research by highlighting that starting new relationships and developing existing ones may be an efficient managerial response immediately after a crisis occurs.

The study aims to identify the dynamic complexities and development points of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) in the agricultural sector of Iran to improve production factors' productivity, including arable land, water resources and human capital.

First, the EE of the agricultural sector in Iran was designed following Isenberg's framework. Then, the main variables and interrelationships of the variables in each context of the ecosystem, called subsystems, were formulated using the system dynamics (SD) approach. Next, the model was simulated and validated. Afterward, different policy options were identified, embedded into the model structure and simulated. Finally, the best policy group was selected.

According to Isenberg's EE model, three groups of policies were identified and evaluated, including “entrepreneurship development financing and investment policy,” “agricultural ecosystem's supportive services development policy” and “production factors productivity development policy.” According to the simulation results, the best combination of the solution strategies was recognized. The presented SD-EE model has a generic nature in the agricultural sector and could be modified to be applied in different regions for policy-making purposes.

The main contribution of the study is twofold. First, Isenberg's EE framework is applied to structure the main subsystems and interrelationships of the subsystems in the agricultural sector that has previously received limited attention. Second, the research is the first to operationalize the basic theory of Isenberg's EE in practice applying a robust systemic modeling methodology like SD.

Open innovation has attracted the attention of experts and business entities for the sustainable survivability of firms, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. The food and beverage industry has been facing sustainable survivability problems. It is important to identify and evaluate the factors of open innovation from the perspectives of the food and beverage industry. This study serves that purpose by identifying and evaluating the factors of open innovation in the post-COVID-19 era with a special reference to Pakistan's economy.

The present study integrates the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM), Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and Matrice d’ Impacts Croises Multiplication Applique a Classement (MICMAC) methods to analyze the factors involved in the adoption of open innovation in the food and beverage industry in Pakistan. Firstly, based on an extensive literature review of the most relevant studies, the factors affecting open innovation have been identified and finalized using FDM and experts' opinions. Secondly, the hierarchical framework has also been prepared by implementing the ISM approach. Thirdly, the MICMAC approach was employed to evaluate the factors to examine the driving and dependence powers of the factors of open innovation adoption.

The study identified 17 factors of open innovation adoption in Pakistan's food and beverage industry and 16 factors were finalized using FDM. The ISM-MICMAC matrix unveiled that awareness seminars and training, along with a lack of executive commitments, were strong factors with high driving power, but these factors proved to be weakly dependent powers regarding the other factors. Moreover, a lack of innovation strategy, R&D and non-supportive organizational culture exhibited low driving power but strong dependent power.

The findings of the study could help firms and business entities understand the driving and dependent factors involved in open innovation for the sustainable survivability of the food and beverage industry. The study provides strong reasons to believe that an open innovation strategy, along with stakeholder collaboration, the adoption of rules and regulations and managerial commitment, could stimulate open innovation. Moreover, governments should promote the business sector, especially the food and beverage industry, to facilitate the sector while also providing awareness seminars and training, creating environments conducive to reducing innovation costs.

Some previous studies have analyzed the factors involved in green innovation from the perspective of the manufacturing industry and environmental protection. The present study is a pioneer study to examine the factors involved in the adoption of open innovation in the food and beverage industry in Pakistan from the perspective of the post-COVID-19 era. For this purpose, the present study uses an integrated Fuzzy Delphi-ISM-MICMAC approach for the analysis.

This study investigates the impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and knowledge management (KM) on firm performance (PERF), as well as the mediating role of KM in the EO–PERF (EO-PERF relationship). In particular, this study aims to explain the impact of KM on the relationship between the EO dimensions and PERF; dimensions are risk-taking (RT), innovativeness (IN) and proactiveness (PR).

This study uses structural equation modelling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methodologies to explore target relationships. The sample consists of 150 small furniture manufacturers operating in Poland (out of 1,480 in the population).

The study findings show that KM partially mediates the IN–PERF relationship. Furthermore, fsQCA reveals that KM accompanied by IN is a core condition that leads to PERF. Moreover, the absence of KM (accompanied by the absence of RT and IN) leads to the absence of PERF. In addition, the results show that all the variables examined (RT, IN, PR and KM) positively impact PERF.

This study explores the role of KM in the context of EO and its impact on PERF in the low-tech industry. The study uses simultaneously two methodologies that represent different approaches in the search for the expected relationships. The findings reveal that KM mediates the EO-PERF relationship.