A configurational analysis of innovation ambidexterity: evidence from Chinese niche leaders

Abstract

Purpose Innovation ambidexterity is crucial for fostering growth and gaining a competitive advantage in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Previous research indicates that achieving a balance between exploration and exploitation is a multifaceted phenomenon occurring across various levels. This paper aims to examine the influence of individual, organizational and institutional factors on the ambidextrous innovation of Chinese niche leaders using a configurational perspective. Design/methodology/approach This study uses secondary data collected from 69 Chinese niche leaders in the new equipment manufacturing industry. The authors use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to investigate how owner openness, age, digitization, the formal institutional environment and the informal institutional environment jointly influence innovation ambidexterity. Findings By using fuzzy set analysis, this study categorizes combinations of interdependent factors that promote innovation ambidexterity. In particular, the authors pinpoint three configurations that foster high innovation ambidexterity and two configurations that lack such high levels of innovation ambidexterity. The analysis results suggest that innovation paradoxes in SMEs are linked to a nested system comprising leadership, organizational factors and the institutional environment. Originality/value This study elucidates the mechanism of innovation ambidexterity through a configurational perspective. This research proposes and validates a framework that enables SMEs to develop ambidextrous innovation capabilities, thereby integrating organizational ambidexterity theory and shedding light on the intricately complex nature of innovation ambidexterity.

Profiling dan pemetaan riset innovation ambidexterity melalui pendekatan bibliometrik

“…Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa, Inovasi ambidexterity, konektivitas, dan knowledge management memiliki hubungan yang erat. innovation ambidexterity memungkinkan organisasi untuk menggabungkan kegiatan eksplorasi dan eksploitasi, meningkatkan konektivitas antar unit dan individu dalam organisasi (Xia et al, 2023). Hal ini mendukung pengembangan dan pertukaran pengetahuan yang efektif melalui praktik knowledge management, yang pada gilirannya memperkuat kapasitas inovatif organisasi secara keseluruhan.…”

The Impact of Digital Transformation on ESG Performance Based on the Mediating Effect of Dynamic Capabilities

“…Ambidexterity theory defines exploitation as the enhancement of what is already known by building on existing capabilities and technologies, while exploration involves creating something new through risk-taking and innovative behavior, with the aim of breaking out of existing patterns of development [33]. In other words, exploitation focuses on the short-term, deterministic development of an organization, while exploration involves strategic long-term planning.…”