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A Study of the Influence Mechanism of Enterprise Innovation Ecosystems on Digital Innovation Capabilities

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  • Haibing Liu

    (School of Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
    Hubei Industrial Policy and Management Research Center, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430080, China
    Research Center for Total Innovation, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430080, China)

  • Yangfan Liu

    (School of Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
    Hubei Industrial Policy and Management Research Center, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430080, China)

  • Tianwei Huang

    (School of Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
    Institute of Management Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China)

  • Hongjuan Zhang

    (School of Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
    Hubei Industrial Policy and Management Research Center, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430080, China)

Abstract

Amid rapid digital transformation in the global economy, digital innovation capability has emerged as a strategic asset for enterprises to cultivate competitive advantages. However, challenges such as the complexity of digital resource integration, limitations of traditional innovation paradigms, and ecosystem fragmentation hinder the development of this capability. Combining innovation ecosystem theory with dynamic capability perspectives, this study analyzed data from 312 Chinese enterprises to examine how enterprise innovation ecosystems shape digital innovation capability. Key findings include the following: (1) the composition, operation, and relationships of enterprise innovation ecosystems exert significant positive effects on digital innovation capability, with the composition dimension demonstrating the most substantial impact.; (2) digital innovation capability comprises three hierarchical components—Digital technological capability (Foundational Capability), Digital technology-enabled Innovation Capability (Evolutionary Capability), and Value reconfiguration capability (Transformational Capability)—all dynamically supported by ecosystem interactions; (3) dynamic capabilities serve as critical mediators between ecosystems and digital innovation capability. Theoretically, this research integrates ecosystem and capability theories to reveal a transformation pathway of “ecosystem embeddedness → dynamic capabilities → digital innovation”. Practically, it offers guidance for resource allocation, ecosystem optimization, and governance, advancing sustainable digital innovation ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Haibing Liu & Yangfan Liu & Tianwei Huang & Hongjuan Zhang, 2025. "A Study of the Influence Mechanism of Enterprise Innovation Ecosystems on Digital Innovation Capabilities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-28, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5837-:d:1686799
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