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Business model innovation driven by corporate social responsibility in a digital innovation ecosystem: Evidence from Chinese manufacturers

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  • Minchao Liao
  • Zeng'an Gao
  • Jingsong Zhou
  • Dehui Li

Abstract

This study focuses on examining the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) fulfillment and business model innovation (BMI) in the context of China's business environment. The research utilizes data from 1028 manufacturing firms in China and specifically explores the impact of CSR fulfillment on BMI within the digital innovation ecosystem. The findings indicate that both internal CSR (ICSR) and external CSR (ECSR) have a significant positive influence on BMI, with ECSR having a stronger effect. Additionally, the study reveals that value co‐creation (VCC) plays a mediating role in strengthening the relationship between CSR fulfillment and BMI. Furthermore, the study highlights that the positive association between CSR fulfillment and BMI is more prominent in firms with higher digital platform capability (DPC). Overall, this research provides valuable insights for manufacturers seeking to achieve BMI and sustainable development.

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  • Minchao Liao & Zeng'an Gao & Jingsong Zhou & Dehui Li, 2025. "Business model innovation driven by corporate social responsibility in a digital innovation ecosystem: Evidence from Chinese manufacturers," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 46(4), pages 2103-2119, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:46:y:2025:i:4:p:2103-2119
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.3998
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