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How do intermediaries drive corporate innovation? A moderated mediating examination

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  • Lin, Han
  • Zeng, Saixing
  • Liu, Haijian
  • Li, Chao

Abstract

Although intermediaries frequently bridge knowledge gaps and enhance innovation searches as important sources of external knowledge, the mechanisms regarding how and when intermediaries become effective drivers of corporate innovation still remain indistinct. Using a sample of Chinese manufacturing firms, this study proposes and empirically tests a theoretical framework for understanding the effects of intermediaries on corporate innovation performance. The results of a moderated mediation analysis show that firms' ties to intermediaries can contribute to innovation by enhancing the scope of external innovation searches and reducing search costs. Absorptive capacity acts as a mediator in the relationship between intermediaries and innovation performance. Environmental munificence and complexity negatively moderate this mediation effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin, Han & Zeng, Saixing & Liu, Haijian & Li, Chao, 2016. "How do intermediaries drive corporate innovation? A moderated mediating examination," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(11), pages 4831-4836.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:69:y:2016:i:11:p:4831-4836
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2016.04.039
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    7. Dubey, Rameshwar & Gunasekaran, Angappa & Childe, Stephen J. & Bryde, David J. & Giannakis, Mihalis & Foropon, Cyril & Roubaud, David & Hazen, Benjamin T., 2020. "Big data analytics and artificial intelligence pathway to operational performance under the effects of entrepreneurial orientation and environmental dynamism: A study of manufacturing organisations," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
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    9. De Silva, Muthu & Howells, Jeremy & Meyer, Martin, 2018. "Innovation intermediaries and collaboration: Knowledge–based practices and internal value creation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(1), pages 70-87.
    10. Yuan, Yang & Chu, Zhaofang & Lai, Fujun & Wu, Hao, 2020. "The impact of transaction attributes on logistics outsourcing success: A moderated mediation model," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 219(C), pages 54-65.
    11. Conroy, Kieran M. & Jacobs, Simon & Liu, Yang, 2023. "The dual knowledge role of open innovation intermediaries: Internal weaving and external filtering for MNE subsidiaries," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
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    13. Song, Haoyang & Hou, Jianhua & Zhang, Yang, 2022. "Catalytic capacity of technological innovation: Multidimensional definition and measurement from the perspective of knowledge spillover," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    14. Ana Lucia Brenner Barreto Miranda & Cristine Hermann Nodari & Eliana Andrea Severo & Raquel Engelman, 2022. "Tendencies of the Absorptive Capacity and Its Correlation with Innovation and the Incubated Companies’ Performance," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, vol. 8(1), pages 121-142, January.
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