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How can incumbents leverage cross-boundary technology convergence to achieve disruptive innovation? The moderating role of existing technology innovation performance

Author

Listed:
  • Lai, Xiumei
  • Sun, Yaowu
  • Xu, Yanan
  • Zou, Ming

Abstract

To navigate discontinuous technological shifts, incumbents pursue disruptive innovation to achieve self-renewal and sustained growth. However, they often face challenges in coordinating resources between legacy and emerging operations. Cross-boundary technology convergence offers a strategic pathway by facilitating heterogeneous knowledge integration and enabling innovation. This study examines how technology convergence influences disruptive innovation and investigates the moderating role of existing technology innovation performance. Utilizing patent data from 87 incumbent firms in China’s automotive industry from 2010 to 2023, we find that the scope and depth of technology convergence demonstrate U-shaped and inverted U-shaped effects on disruptive innovation output, respectively. Furthermore, existing technology innovation performance strengthens the curvilinear relationship between the scope of technology convergence and disruptive innovation output. Nevertheless, it does not significantly moderate the relationship with depth of technology convergence. These insights offer strategic guidance for incumbents pursuing innovation-led transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Lai, Xiumei & Sun, Yaowu & Xu, Yanan & Zou, Ming, 2026. "How can incumbents leverage cross-boundary technology convergence to achieve disruptive innovation? The moderating role of existing technology innovation performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:215:y:2026:i:c:s0148296326003929
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2026.116357
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