Digital Capabilities, Integration into Global Innovation Networks, and Enterprise Innovation Performance

Against the backdrop of accelerated global digital transformation and the shift toward open innovation models, this study examines how enterprises leverage digital capabilities to integrate into global innovation networks (GINs) and enhance innovation performance, while exploring the moderating role...

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Main Authors: Shanwu Tian, Xiaozhen Lai, Lijun Dong, Xiurui Xu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Systems
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/3/212
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author Shanwu Tian
Xiaozhen Lai
Lijun Dong
Xiurui Xu
author_facet Shanwu Tian
Xiaozhen Lai
Lijun Dong
Xiurui Xu
author_sort Shanwu Tian
collection DOAJ
description Against the backdrop of accelerated global digital transformation and the shift toward open innovation models, this study examines how enterprises leverage digital capabilities to integrate into global innovation networks (GINs) and enhance innovation performance, while exploring the moderating role of organizational flexibility. Drawing on dynamic capability and social network theories, a multidimensional framework of digital capabilities (perception, operation, and coordination) and organizational flexibility (cultural, resource, and capability) is proposed. The empirical analysis of 343 Chinese multinational corporations using SPSS 27 and AMOS 24 reveals three key findings: (1) all dimensions of digital capabilities significantly improve innovation performance; (2) GIN integration partially mediates this relationship by facilitating resource acquisition and collaboration; and (3) capability flexibility positively moderates the GIN–performance link, while cultural and resource flexibility show no significant effects. This study advances digital capability research by emphasizing dynamic processes over static technology adoption and provides practical insights for balancing technological investments with organizational adaptability.
format Article
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issn 2079-8954
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spelling doaj-art-e04b58bc9a4f4174a84eadd2486819852025-08-20T01:48:58ZengMDPI AGSystems2079-89542025-03-0113321210.3390/systems13030212Digital Capabilities, Integration into Global Innovation Networks, and Enterprise Innovation PerformanceShanwu Tian0Xiaozhen Lai1Lijun Dong2Xiurui Xu3School of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, ChinaSchool of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, ChinaSchool of Business, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, ChinaSchool of Politics and Public Administration, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, ChinaAgainst the backdrop of accelerated global digital transformation and the shift toward open innovation models, this study examines how enterprises leverage digital capabilities to integrate into global innovation networks (GINs) and enhance innovation performance, while exploring the moderating role of organizational flexibility. Drawing on dynamic capability and social network theories, a multidimensional framework of digital capabilities (perception, operation, and coordination) and organizational flexibility (cultural, resource, and capability) is proposed. The empirical analysis of 343 Chinese multinational corporations using SPSS 27 and AMOS 24 reveals three key findings: (1) all dimensions of digital capabilities significantly improve innovation performance; (2) GIN integration partially mediates this relationship by facilitating resource acquisition and collaboration; and (3) capability flexibility positively moderates the GIN–performance link, while cultural and resource flexibility show no significant effects. This study advances digital capability research by emphasizing dynamic processes over static technology adoption and provides practical insights for balancing technological investments with organizational adaptability.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/3/212digital capabilitiesintegration into global innovation networksorganizational flexibilityinnovation performance
spellingShingle Shanwu Tian
Xiaozhen Lai
Lijun Dong
Xiurui Xu
Digital Capabilities, Integration into Global Innovation Networks, and Enterprise Innovation Performance
Systems
digital capabilities
integration into global innovation networks
organizational flexibility
innovation performance
title Digital Capabilities, Integration into Global Innovation Networks, and Enterprise Innovation Performance
title_full Digital Capabilities, Integration into Global Innovation Networks, and Enterprise Innovation Performance
title_fullStr Digital Capabilities, Integration into Global Innovation Networks, and Enterprise Innovation Performance
title_full_unstemmed Digital Capabilities, Integration into Global Innovation Networks, and Enterprise Innovation Performance
title_short Digital Capabilities, Integration into Global Innovation Networks, and Enterprise Innovation Performance
title_sort digital capabilities integration into global innovation networks and enterprise innovation performance
topic digital capabilities
integration into global innovation networks
organizational flexibility
innovation performance
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/3/212
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AT xiaozhenlai digitalcapabilitiesintegrationintoglobalinnovationnetworksandenterpriseinnovationperformance
AT lijundong digitalcapabilitiesintegrationintoglobalinnovationnetworksandenterpriseinnovationperformance
AT xiuruixu digitalcapabilitiesintegrationintoglobalinnovationnetworksandenterpriseinnovationperformance