Trust, Digital Capability, and Knowledge Sharing: An Opportunity for Technological Innovation

The rapid pace of digital transformation has increased organizations’ reliance on digital technologies and collaborative systems as key drivers of technological innovation. However, the mechanisms through which digital trust, digital technology, and digital capability shape innovation performance—particularly through knowledge sharing—remain insufficiently explored. This study examined the relationships among these digital enablers and innovation performance, positioning knowledge sharing as a central mediating mechanism grounded in the Knowledge-Based View and Open Innovation Theory. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured survey of 280 professionals working in IT, software development, telecommunications, and other technology-intensive industries. Convenience sampling was employed, and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS to assess reliability, validity, and structural relationships. The findings revealed that digital trust, digital technology, and digital capability significantly enhance knowledge-sharing practices, which in turn positively influence innovation performance. Moreover, knowledge sharing was found to play a critical mediating role in translating digital enablers into innovation outcomes. This study contributes to the digital innovation literature by highlighting the importance of digital preparedness and collaborative knowledge practices in fostering technological innovation. The findings also offer practical insights for organizations seeking to strengthen innovation performance by developing digital capabilities, fostering trust, and promoting effective knowledge-sharing cultures in technology-intensive environments.