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Sustainable Product Innovation in SMEs: The Role of Digital–Green Learning Orientation and R&D Ambidexterity

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  • Shuhe Zhang

    (School of Business and Management, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China)

  • Guangping Xu

    (School of Economics and Management, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China)

  • Zikang Zheng

    (School of Economics and Management, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China)

Abstract

As digitalization and environmental sustainability advance globally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing transformative pressures as well as emerging opportunities. Rapid digital innovation promotes intelligent production, cost reduction, efficiency gains, and improved management practices, while green development mandates emphasize energy conservation, emissions reduction, and sustainable supply chains. Amid concurrent digital and green transformations, SMEs are leveraging digital technologies to bolster green learning and enhance sustainable product development. This study investigates the digital–green learning orientation (DGLO) and its influence on ambidextrous research and development (R&D) capabilities, which in turn shape sustainable product development performance (SPDP). Drawing on survey data from 306 SMEs in eastern and southern China, multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the relationships between DGLO, ambidextrous R&D capabilities, and SPDP. The findings reveal that DGLO significantly enhances SPDP. Moreover, DGLO promotes SPDP through both exploitative and exploratory R&D capabilities, with each playing a complementary role.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuhe Zhang & Guangping Xu & Zikang Zheng, 2025. "Sustainable Product Innovation in SMEs: The Role of Digital–Green Learning Orientation and R&D Ambidexterity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8703-:d:1759726
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