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An Empirical Study on Entrepreneurial Orientation, Absorptive Capacity, and SMEs’ Innovation Performance: A Sustainable Perspective

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  • Yu-Ming Zhai

    (School of Economics and Management, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
    Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China)

  • Wan-Qin Sun

    (School of Economics and Management, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China)

  • Sang-Bing Tsai

    (Zhongshan Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Zhongshan 528402, China)

  • Zhen Wang

    (School of Economics and Management, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China)

  • Yu Zhao

    (School of Economics and Management, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China)

  • Quan Chen

    (Zhongshan Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Zhongshan 528402, China)

Abstract

Using a survey of 324 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the Yangtze River Delta in China, this study discusses the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, absorptive capacity, environmental dynamism, and corporate technological innovation performance. The results based on a moderated moderation model show that the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovation performance is significantly positive. The absorptive capacity can positively moderate this relationship. When the external environment is in high dynamism, the moderating effect of absorptive capacity will be stronger than when the environment is in low dynamism.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu-Ming Zhai & Wan-Qin Sun & Sang-Bing Tsai & Zhen Wang & Yu Zhao & Quan Chen, 2018. "An Empirical Study on Entrepreneurial Orientation, Absorptive Capacity, and SMEs’ Innovation Performance: A Sustainable Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-14, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:2:p:314-:d:128820
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    References listed on IDEAS

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