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The Impact of Information Technology Capabilities of Manufacturing Enterprises on Innovation Performance: Evidences from SEM and fsQCA

Author

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  • Yizhou Chu

    (School of Information Management, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China)

  • Maomao Chi

    (School of Information Management, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China)

  • Weijun Wang

    (Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior, Ministry of Education, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China)

  • Bo Luo

    (School of Information Management, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China)

Abstract

With the development of national strategies (such as Industrial 4.0 and Made in China 2025), how to build digital enterprises and cultivate innovation capabilities of enterprises has become a critical problem to Chinese manufacturing enterprises. However, the literature on the specific path of information technology (IT) capabilities to the innovation of enterprises is still lacking a body of relevant empirical research. In particular, it has not yet thought to explore the information technology capabilities, digital transformation, and then innovation performance of manufacturing enterprises. By performing a questionnaire investigation for 138 Chinese manufacturing enterprises, this study adopted both a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the set relations of the conjunctions and conditions and the statistical associations by studying the relationships among information technology capabilities, digital transformation and innovation performance. The results show that the positive impacts of information technology capabilities on the process innovation performance and the digital transformation, as well as the positive impacts of digital transformation on both process innovation performance and product innovation performance. Specifically, digital transformation takes on a new function of partial mediation of IT capabilities and process innovation performance, and digital transformation functions as a complete mediator for IT capabilities and product innovation performance. The combinations of causal recipes related to innovation performance are provided by a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Through the analyses of SEM and fsQCA, this research develops the formation mechanisms of both process innovation performance and product innovation performance, and provides guidance for both IT and innovation management of manufacturing enterprises in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Yizhou Chu & Maomao Chi & Weijun Wang & Bo Luo, 2019. "The Impact of Information Technology Capabilities of Manufacturing Enterprises on Innovation Performance: Evidences from SEM and fsQCA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:21:p:5946-:d:280342
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Xintian Wang & Hai Wang, 2019. "A Study on Sustaining Corporate Innovation with E-Commerce in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-16, November.
    7. Ragmoun Wided, 2023. "IT Capabilities, Strategic Flexibility and Organizational Resilience in SMEs Post-COVID-19: A Mediating and Moderating Role of Big Data Analytics Capabilities," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 24(1), pages 123-142, March.
    8. Lijie Feng & Guo Qin & Jinfeng Wang & Ke Zhang, 2022. "Disruptive Innovation Path of Start-Ups in the Digital Context: The Perspective of Dynamic Capabilities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-18, October.
    9. Jichang Zhang & Jing Long & Alexandra Martina Eugenie von Schaewen, 2021. "How Does Digital Transformation Improve Organizational Resilience?—Findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-22, October.

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