How Knowledge Recombination Affect Technology Innovation Quality in Chinese High-Tech Firms: The Role of Relation Dynamics and Knowledge Network Decomposability

Abstract

Knowledge recombination (KR) and technology innovation quality (TIQ) has received much attention. However, the mechanisms by which KR affects TIQ still lack further exploration. This study aims to explore the mediating role of relation dynamics (RDS) between KR and TIQ, and whether knowledge network decomposability (KND) moderates these relationships. Based on a panel data from 437 Chinese listed high-tech firms during 2000–2017, the hypotheses are tested using negative binomial regression in STATA 16.0. The results show that, first, knowledge recombination creation (KRC) not only directly improves TIQ, but also indirectly improves TIQ by promoting relation expansion (RE). Second, the relationship between knowledge recombination reuse (KRR) and TIQ is inverted U-shaped, which is partially mediated by relation stability (RS). Third, KND strengthens the influence of KRC or KRR on TIQ and the inverted U-shaped relationship between KRR and RS. This study enriches the research on the relationship between KR and TIQ, and provides theoretical support for technology management decisions in high-tech firms.