Enterprise AI Analysis
The interactive effects of knowledge elements and collaboration networks on exploratory innovation performance: evidence from the Chinese artificial intelligence industry
This study reveals that knowledge elements and collaboration networks have complex nonlinear effects on firms' exploratory innovation performance, with internal knowledge elements often playing a leading role. External collaboration can effectively compensate for the negative effects of irrational knowledge combinations. Firms are classified into Collaboration-oriented, Knowledge-oriented, and Balanced types, each requiring different strategies to enhance exploratory innovation performance, especially within the context of the Chinese AI industry.
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Knowledge elements are internal factors like substitutability, complementarity, and diversity that form a firm's knowledge base. They are crucial for innovation, as firms leverage existing knowledge and acquire new, heterogeneous elements to enrich their innovation resources. However, excessive diversity or complementarity can sometimes hinder innovation by increasing information-processing costs or limiting recombination potential.
External collaboration networks allow firms to acquire new knowledge and resources beyond their internal capabilities. Network characteristics like breadth, depth, and local clustering coefficient influence knowledge transfer, absorption capacity, and overall exploratory innovation performance. Advantageous network positions can accelerate knowledge recombination and mitigate internal knowledge deficiencies.
These firms (35.7% of sample) prioritize external collaboration, exhibiting high collaboration breadth and local clustering coefficients. They often use external knowledge acquisition to compensate for a lack of internal knowledge advantages. Despite medium knowledge element characteristics, 59.1% achieve high exploratory innovation performance. For these firms, managing knowledge diversity and leveraging external networks effectively is key.
Comprising 20.4% of the sample, these firms focus on reorganizing internal knowledge elements, possessing strong knowledge complementarity and diversity but needing to improve knowledge substitutability. Their overall exploratory innovation performance is not ideal, with only 22.6% achieving high EIP, particularly when knowledge complementarity is too high. Balancing internal knowledge depth with appropriate external collaboration is critical.
Representing 43.8% of the sample, these firms adopt a balanced development strategy with no significant advantages or shortcomings in any characteristic. They have a 56.1% probability of achieving high exploratory innovation performance. For balanced firms, optimizing the combination of knowledge complementarity and substitutability, while being prepared for unknown risks, is crucial for sustained innovation.
Enterprise Process Flow
| Firm Type | Key Characteristics | High EIP Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration-oriented |
|
59.1% |
| Knowledge-oriented |
|
22.6% |
| Balanced |
|
56.1% |
Mitigating Excessive Knowledge Diversity in Collaboration-Oriented Firms
For Collaboration-oriented firms, while knowledge diversity is crucial, excessive diversity (KD > 0.114) can lead to information overload and hinder exploratory innovation. However, a high Collaboration Breadth (CB > 1.0) can effectively mitigate these negative effects. This is because diverse external partners provide valuable market information and innovation resources, helping firms integrate practical knowledge. If collaboration breadth is insufficient, a high Local Clustering Coefficient (LCC > 1.0) can partially compensate, fostering trust and knowledge sharing within existing networks. The key is strategic collaboration to manage internal knowledge elements efficiently.
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Your AI Implementation Roadmap
A phased approach to integrate AI solutions effectively, focusing on knowledge management and collaborative innovation.
Phase 1: Discovery & Strategy Alignment
Assess current knowledge elements, collaboration networks, and innovation goals. Define AI strategy based on firm type (e.g., collaboration-oriented, knowledge-oriented, balanced) and specific needs. This involves data collection, initial analysis, and stakeholder workshops.
Phase 2: Data & Network Optimization
Implement data infrastructure for knowledge element management (e.g., IPC code analysis, patent databases). Design and strengthen collaboration networks based on identified needs, focusing on breadth, depth, and local clustering. Develop protocols for efficient knowledge transfer and sharing.
Phase 3: Pilot & Iteration
Launch pilot AI projects aligned with exploratory innovation objectives. Continuously monitor performance using metrics like new IPC codes generated and EIP. Gather feedback, iterate on knowledge combination strategies, and refine collaboration models to maximize innovation outcomes.
Phase 4: Scaling & Continuous Improvement
Scale successful AI initiatives across the enterprise. Establish a continuous learning framework for knowledge elements and collaboration networks. Integrate AI-driven insights into strategic decision-making to sustain exploratory innovation and competitive advantage.
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