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How does knowledge creation really promote dynamic capabilities? The lens of routine renewal and technological turbulence

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  • Xi, Yujuan
  • Wang, Xiangyang
  • Zhu, Yunxia

Abstract

Knowledge creation has been widely circulated and is seen as the key to leading to dynamic capabilities for enterprises. However, how newly created knowledge is transformed into dynamic capabilities remains unclear in existing research. Drawing on the routine-based view and knowledge-based view, this study is designed to construct a comprehensive model to explain the intricate process that new knowledge is transformed into dynamic capabilities. In particular, the mediating roles of routine renewal and the moderating roles of technological turbulence were investigated. Using a sample from Chinese high-tech industry covering 370 enterprises, this study examined the model and hypotheses with structural equation modeling (SEM) and bootstrap methods. The findings demonstrate that knowledge creation could not promote dynamic capabilities directly but with the aid of routine modification and routine development. Notably, routine development exhibits a stronger mediating effect compared to routine modification. Furthermore, technological turbulence moderates the mediating impact of routine development but not for routine modification. This study underlines novel viewpoints into how knowledge creation influences dynamic capabilities from the unique perspective of routine renewal and technological turbulence, which advances ongoing literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Xi, Yujuan & Wang, Xiangyang & Zhu, Yunxia, 2025. "How does knowledge creation really promote dynamic capabilities? The lens of routine renewal and technological turbulence," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:82:y:2025:i:c:s0160791x25001344
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.102944
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