Linking External Knowledge Search to Innovation Ambidexterity in SMEs

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of external knowledge search strategy on innovation ambidexterity for SMEs. In order to achieve the purpose of research, hypotheses were set up by dividing exploitative knowledge sources and exploitative knowledge. Based on the Tobit regression analysis results by using the 975 data of Science and Technology Policy Institute, this research provides four findings as follows: First, exploitative knowledge breadth positively and significantly influences innovation ambidexterity. Second, exploitative knowledge depth positively and significantly influences innovation ambidexterity. Third, explorative knowledge breadth positively and significantly influences innovation ambidexterity. Lastly, the relationship between explorative knowledge significantly influences innovation ambidexterity. The results indicate that their knowledge search strategies ware significant driver of their innovation ambidexterity. In the final conclusion section implications and limitations of research results and suggestion for future research are discussed.

Demystifying the link between knowledge management capability and innovation ambidexterity: organizational structure as a moderator

“…KM capability enables organizations to gain and utilize ideas and feedback through sustained interactions with employees about the knowledge and information on new product ideas, upcoming trends, and fluctuations in the market, which are highly beneficial for both exploitative and exploratory innovation (Zhao, 2021). By getting a variety of knowledge and resources through diverse networks, organizations can enrich their catalogues of solutions, thus diminishing resource limits (Ryu, Baek, & Yoon, 2022;Gupta et al, 2006), which in turn influence organizations' ability to execute explorative and exploitative activities in a productive manner (Jansen et al, 2012). As mentioned before, KM capability allows organizations to gain rich and varied information and knowledge about market variations and competitions by rigorous collaboration between organizations and their network partners, both internal and external (Wang & Hu, 2020).…”