Study on the Impact of Boundary-Spanning Search on Breakthrough Innovation in Enterprises
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6981/FEM.202603_7(3).0006Keywords:
Breakthrough Innovation; Boundary-spanning Search; Knowledge Coupling; Digital Intelligent Empowerment.Abstract
Breakthrough innovation is crucial for enterprises to overcome developmental constraints, establish sustained competitive advantages, and achieve long-term growth. This study investigates the relationship between boundary-spanning search and breakthrough innovation, incorporating knowledge coupling as a mediator and digital-intelligent empowerment as a moderator. Using survey data from 355 firms in China's strategic emerging industries, empirical analysis yields three main findings: (1) Boundary-spanning search positively influences breakthrough innovation. (2) Boundary-spanning search enhances knowledge coupling, which partially mediates the link between boundary-spanning search and breakthrough innovation. (3) Digital intelligent empowerment positively moderates the impact of boundary-spanning search on knowledge coupling and amplifies the mediating role of knowledge coupling in the boundary-spanning search–breakthrough innovation relationship. By examining these dynamics in the context of rapid digital and intelligent technological advancement, this study extends theoretical perspectives on breakthrough innovation and provides practical guidance for enterprises to effectively utilize boundary-spanning search, optimize knowledge coupling mechanisms, and leverage digital-intelligent technologies.
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