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Inter-Organizational Connectivity, Digital Transformation, and Firm Ambidextrous Innovation: A Coupled Perspective on Innovation Ecosystems and Digitalization

Author

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  • Yan Zhao

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Changxu Guo

    (School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China)

  • Xuanji Chen

    (Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China)

Abstract

In the context of the explosive growth of the digital economy, how inter-organizational connectivity affects corporate ambidextrous innovation has emerged as a pressing issue in the current digital economy. Based on the perspectives of the innovation ecosystem and digital coupling, this paper explores the inner mechanism of this issue through structural modeling by using the data of China’s high-tech enterprise alliance cooperation from 2015 to 2022. It is found in the empirical study that the local efficiency and reach rate of the digital innovation ecosystem have an inverted U-shaped relationship with exploratory innovation, and the local efficiency and reach rate of the digital innovation ecosystem have a negative effect on firm exploitative innovation. In addition, the level of firms’ digital transformation mediates the relationship between the local efficiency, reach rate, and ambidextrous innovation. The level of market development plays a moderating role in the relationship between the local efficiency, reach rate, and ambidextrous innovation. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the digital innovation ecosystem to realize the role of a “resource pool” through structural connections, which in turn provides important guidance for the digital transformation and innovation development of high-tech enterprises.

Suggested Citation

  • Yan Zhao & Changxu Guo & Xuanji Chen, 2025. "Inter-Organizational Connectivity, Digital Transformation, and Firm Ambidextrous Innovation: A Coupled Perspective on Innovation Ecosystems and Digitalization," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-26, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6466-:d:1702213
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