Effect of knowledge network embedding on exploitative and exploratory innovation: evidence from Chinese advanced manufacturing firms

ABSTRACT

This study constructs firm knowledge networks using patent data of advanced Chinese manufacturing firms. It applies panel stochastic negative binomial regression analysis to explore the mechanism of the effect of knowledge network (KN) embedding on exploitative innovation (EI) and exploratory innovation (EY) in advanced manufacturing firms. The results indicate, relationship embedding (RE) has a clear inverted U-shaped relationship with EI and EY, while structure embedding (SE) has a significant positive impact on EI and an inverted U-shaped effect on EY. An increase in knowledge diversity (KD) flattens the inverted U-shaped relationship between RE and EY. Conversely, weakening the positive impact of SE on EI. Knowledge integration capacity (KIC) mediates the relationship between KN embedding (RE and SE), EI, and EY.

KEYWORDS:

• Knowledge network embedding
• exploitative innovation
• exploratory innovation
• Chinese advanced manufacturing firms

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the National Social Science Foundation of China (grant number 20BJY037) and the Graduate Education Innovation and Quality Improvement Project of Henan University (grant number SYL20060161; SYLYC2022010).

Notes on contributors

Xingong Li

Xingong Li received the Ph.D. degree from the School of Economics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, in 2005. He is currently a Professor at the Institute of Business Administration, Henan University. He has presided over ten national and provincial research projects, published more than 60 academic papers in journals, and four academic publications. His research interests are knowledge management, organisational learning, innovation and ambidexterity.

Xiaokai Li

Xiaokai Li received the Ph.D. degree from the School of Business, Henan University, Kaifeng, China, in 2022. He is currently an Assistant Professor at the School of Management and Economics, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, China. His research interests include innovation network, knowledge network, cooperation innovation, and technology evolution in the emerging industries.

Sheng Ding

Sheng Ding is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree with the School of Economics, Henan University, Kaifeng, China. His research interests include innovation management, cooperation innovation, and strategic management.